Working out is hard enough when it’s done right. So why risk injury or dehydration by not looking out for your body in summer? Heat sickness is a real thing, it’s caused by the body over heating and not being able to regulate itself properly.

But how do you get ‘over heated’? 

Overheating happens when your body’s cooling system is unable to regulate your body temperature. Your body’s temperature rises during exercise, of course and when you the temperature around you is hot, you’re humid you’re bound to over heat. You might have experienced over heating in summer when you’re younger.. possibly walking up a steep hill or going for a run in the park. Anything could trigger it. 

Heat exhaustion it’s often referred to;  characterised by tiredness, muscle cramps, nausea, thirst, dizziness, headaches and feeling clammy. It’s often simple to fix but if it isn’t sorted it could lead to the hhigh-riskheat-stroke.

When the body is trying to cool it’s self 

When you’re exercising, even just generally, your body works to cool itself by pumping sweat out of your pores, causing the air to cool the skin. When you’re in hot air, the sweat stays hot, not cooling you your body down properly. This is why drinking water is so important, the water is used to keep your muscles flexible and your pores ready to create sweat.

The body can adapt

The fitter you are the easier and smarter your exercise becomes. Your body understands when you begin to exercise and it sends signals to your pores to start cooling yourself down immediately. This is why keeping a regular routine of exercise is so important, in the winter months you keep training to help your body cool down in the summer.

Top tips for keeping your body cool

• Wear loose clothing. It helps regulate the sweat and air flow.
• Keep hydrated, it’s very important.
• Keep a routine of exercise even in the winter months.
• workout in mornings, evenings or in shade.
• Keep your hair out of your face and off your neck, it helps the air get to your head ( a vital organ)

Try something refreshing!

Working out, whether in summer or winter, doesn’t have to be gym based or cardio. Why not try a splash in the pool or a cooling walk in a forest? Anything that gets your heart rate up and keeps you active is a workout, so try something new and spruce up your routine!

As for working out in summer, it’s not something to be scared of. Most people have a summer peak for workouts and find them selves in need of a summer body. Whilst I agree with it, I love working out in the summer sun and I make sure I plan for hot workouts.

Have a brilliant summer.