Dangers of Working Out in Hot Weather

When exercising outdoors in hot weather, it’s essential to take some precautions to make sure you stay safe and healthy. Excessive heat can strain your body’s cooling system by preventing sweat from evaporating quickly enough. This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or, even worse, heat stroke.

Medical Events Caused by Outdoor Exercise in the Summer

When working out outside in the summer, there are a number of health concerns you can run into, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. If you plan to exercise or do other work outdoors, it’s crucial to know the signs of each:

• Heat cramps – These are a type of muscle pain or spasm that you may experience, often in the legs, during intense exercise. If you experience heat cramps, move inside to a cool area and drink water or a sports drink. Those who eat a low-sodium diet, have heart issues or have cramps lasting more than an hour should seek medical attention.
• Heat stress – This occurs when your sweat is not evaporating fast enough to cool your body. Symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, headache, and vomiting, are typically a result of dehydration.
  Heat exhaustion – This condition can cause dizziness, fast and weak pulse, fainting, sweating, and nausea. If you begin vomiting or have lingering symptoms for more than an hour, you need to seek medical help.
• Heat stroke – This is a serious condition that occurs when the body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees. In addition to a high temperature, you may also experience a quick and strong pulse, confusion, or you may pass out. In the event of a heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
  While these conditions are serious, you can reduce your risk during the summer by taking precautions prior to your outdoor workout.

How to Stay Safe and Active This Summer

Always check local temperature and air quality reports before beginning any outdoor activities in hot weather to ensure conditions are safe for exercise. You also want to ensure that you are properly hydrated and wearing loose and light clothing. It’s also important to be aware of your body’s limits so that you don’t push yourself too hard in hot weather conditions.

It’s best to start slow when exercising in the summer to allow your body time to adjust. Additionally, it’s important to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. It may also be beneficial to carry an electrolyte beverage with you for extra hydration during your activity. If you start feeling any signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, stop exercising and move to a cooler environment.

Finally, listen to your body and take breaks throughout the day. If you ever feel faint or dizzy, it’s time to stop and get somewhere cool. It’s also important to remember that it takes time to become acclimated to hot weather, so make sure you don’t push yourself too hard in the beginning.

With some extra caution, you can beat the heat and reach your fitness goals. Another option is to join a gym and work out indoors in a cool and temperature-controlled environment.

Become a Member at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center Today

Summer is a great time to consider joining a gym in Washington. Gym memberships at Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center provide you with access to great equipment, swimming, group classes, and so much more! Beat the heat this summer and join Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center today!