- Shower before your workout and make it cold. If that sounds a bit extreme, cool your neck or head with an ice pack.
- Find a shady new route for your run. And check the hourly forecast to help you determine the best time of day to exercise.
- When it’s hot, your body has to work harder. If you can run a nine minute mile in the fall, you may find you are slowing to a ten when the temperature outside reaches ninety. A heart-rate monitor can come in handy to ensure that you are not working yourself too hard.
- Asphalt and concrete radiate heat and reflect the sun’s rays, making you feel even hotter. Try to run, walk or cycle on dirt or gravel. And if you live near water, take advantage of the breeze.
- A few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil on your temples and back of your neck can provide a cooling effect while opening your nasal passages.
- Improve your flexibility with some yoga. When your body temp is up, you can go deeper into the poses.
- Sneak in bits of exercise when you can…wash the car, throw your favorite pup a Frisbee or take him for a walk, play volleyball, mow the lawn, garden…or…get a HulaHoop!
- Always wear a hat or visor to shield your face from the sun. A mesh visor will allow the heat to escape and let the breeze in as an extra bonus.
- Fruit is a great fuel and melons and grapes are excellent ways to replenish fluids and boost your energy after your workout. If you’ve lost a lot of salt (your clothes have white sweat stains after a workout), replace your sodium levels by drinking V8 or a sports drink.
Have a great summer…take care of yourself…and call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Silverman if you are curious about any of the body-enhancing surgical and non-surgical procedures he offers.
