Summer workout safety!

Things are really starting to heat up here in the Capital, and aside the odd shower here and there it can get a little tropical when it comes to summer in the big city. For fitness freaks like us the warmer weather is a welcome addition to the workout regime, but it’s also just as important to protect ourselves now as it was in the colder months. Here’s how you can make sure you’re always prepared for those heatwave exercises.

Keep an eye on the temperature

Warm weather can have a huge effect on your core temperature, as can exercise (obviously), and the effects when combined can be challenging for even the most experienced athletes. Ensure you always adapt your workout to suit the weather forecast – something that was perhaps easy in the Winter can be a real battle in a heatwave. Make sure you know and respect your limits!

Dress Appropriately

Don’t underestimate the importance of wearing the right clothing in hot weather; it can be just as important as wrapping up in the chillier months. Keeping your workout clothing loose and light in colour is paramount to an efficient workout – tight fitting and dark clothing will trap and absorb the heat making temperature control a lot more difficult than it needs to be. And don’t get us started on the sun cream…

Stay Hydrated

By now you’ll all know the importance of staying hydrated in summer – workout or no workout – but we’re going to give you a little reminder just in case. Always take water with you on particularly hot days, and always rehydrate at the end of a workout. Your body typically loses 2-3% of its weight in fluids during a standard workout, and failing to repay this debt can result in some pretty serious consequences. Be smart about it.

Pick your snacks wisely

Avoid snacks that require more fluid for digestion than others. Things like energy bars or crackers, whilst good in the cold weather, can compound the onset of dehydration and vastly reduce the efficiency of your workout. Instead you should set your sights on juicy fruits, that will both hydrate and offer you a much needed boost of energy.

Know the warning signs

You know your body better than anyone, and understanding its warning signs is hugely important when it comes to staying safe in the heat. If you’re experiencing any of the below then it’s probably time to head back indoors:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Paling of the skin
• Dizziness
• Cool, moist skin

We hope the pointers above can be of some help to you in these warmer months,  find some summer classes on our Bua Fit web app.

And as always, stay fit and healthy!

Team Bua Fit