Tips for exercising during summer

With the sun out in its full glory and many of us enjoying summertime in the great West, here are a few tips that can help you to make the most of it by keeping fit, active and safe.

 1. Sun’s out, guns out.

Sensible sun exposure helps produce vitamin-D in the body which is responsible in maintaining a healthy bone and immune system. The safe amount of recommended sun-exposure can vary depending on the ultraviolet (UV) ray index for the day. To check the UV index before heading out in the sun, click here or download the free SunSmart App.

2. Wear loose clothing.

Wearing loose clothing or clothes with materials that can dry off quickly can help you stay comfortable while exercising. Light-coloured clothing can also help maintain your body temperature by reflecting the heat from the sun.

3. Be an early bird or a night owl.

If you are someone that enjoys spending time in the outdoors but you’re not too excited about searing temperatures, doing your exercises early in the morning or late in the afternoon is a strategy that could help. Alternatively, if you have access to a gym, an indoor exercise session is just as good as an outdoor one as long as you can get your heart rate pumping.

4. Bring a bottle.

With the temperature soaring to the regions of mid-30 and early 40 degrees, it doesn’t take long for your body to start running out of hydration. Whether you are exercising indoors or outdoors, having a water bottle nearby can save you a lot of hassle. Ensure that you are taking small sips throughout your exercise and that your bottle is constantly full. Remember: by the time you feel thirsty, you are already becoming dehydrated.

5. Treat your body like a temple.

Listen to your body, it knows you the best and it wants to let you know when things are not okay. This is particularly the case when it comes to heat stress as it’s never wise to push through in hot temperatures.

These are only a few of the many tips that keep you going during the sweltering heat. If you feel like you would like to gain more information with regards to ideas for exercising, feel free to contact us and talk to any of the physiotherapists, or chat to your treating doctor.