Exercising "Smart" in the Summer Heat
By Eric Nelson, Exercise Physiologist
Lutheran General Fitness Center

Exercising smart in the heat means you are taking the extra steps of making sure that you are prepared for the heat. Some of the threats that you face when exercising in the summer heat include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The following tips should help you to avoid these problems.

• First and foremost, properly hydrate!
• Acclimatize your body to exercising in the heat by taking it slow initially.
• Avoid exercising "in the heat of the day." Instead, try exercising before 10 AM or after 3:00 PM.
• Dress in light colored clothing because it reflects the heat better then darker colors.
• Wear natural fibers, like cotton, which will allow the sweat to be absorbed and evaporate.
• Leaving clothes on sweaty skin will aid in the evaporation process. If you change clothes frequently or towel dry your skin, you are defeating the purpose of the sweat.
• Use sunscreen, even on a cloudy day, to protect yourself from skin cancer. The sunscreen should be oil-free, so as not to interfere with the sweating mechanism, and the sunscreen should be waterproof so that you do not sweat it off.

Following these summer exercise tips will make exercising fun in the summer and you will be exercising SAFE AND "SMART."