Summertime is excellent for getting outside and soaking up the sun. It’s not necessarily the best time of year, however, for getting out and getting super active. If the hot days have sidelined your workout plan, don’t despair. You can beat the heat and stick to a workout routine that produces results without killing yourself in the process.
No matter where you live or what time of year it happens to be, it is always smart to have an “indoor” backup plan for bad weather days. Yes, steamy summer days can constitute “bad” weather for working out. After all, you want to come away from a workout hot and tired, not melted and wilted!
So, what can you do to make sure you have a good indoor workout plan? Try these exercise ideas on for size:
Use workout machines
If your apartment complex has a workout room, chances are there’s at least an exercise bike or an elliptical machine included in the mix. These machines can replace jogging or running outside quite well. While a stationary bike won’t give you a full body workout, it can come close. A good elliptical machine will provide you with just about everything you need in a single exercise routine. If your complex does not have a workout room, consider joining a gym for the summer or investing in a home model for your apartment.
Play indoor games
If you love hitting the tennis courts during cooler days, you can still enjoy a similar sort of workout and beat the heat, too. Try playing racquet ball or badminton indoors instead of cooking yourself on the outdoor courts. Playing indoor basketball at a recreation center is also a great way to go. You can burn some serious calories with a little one-on-one or four-on-four. Indoor sports are always worth checking out not only for the exercise factor, but also the fun and camaraderie.
Swim
Swimming happens to be one of the best cardiovascular workouts going. When it comes to beating the heat, few things can compare. With this form of exercise, you can enjoy the sun and stay cool at the same time. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Pop in a DVD
This might not appeal to everyone, but it can work rather well on very hot days. Instead of going out and sweating in the sun, use a DVD-based aerobics plan inside.
If you must exercise outdoors this summer, here are a few things to know before working out in the heat…
- Stay hydrated by drinking plently of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Exercise early in the morning or just before dark to avoid the hottest times of the day.
- Exercise in the shade as much as possible.
- Lower the intensity of your workout until your body acclimates to the hotter temperatures.
- Apply sunblock 30 minutes before you head outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Recognize signs of heat exhaustion: goosebumps, headaches, dizziness and physical weakness and know what to do next.
There are all kinds of ways to beat the heat and still get in much-needed exercise. You might need to be a little creative and have several workout plans at your disposal, but necessity is the mother of invention. Chances are if you think hard enough, you’ll find a great substitute that will keep you right on track with your workout goals.
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