Beating the heat

Nick | 07/02/2014 | 2

In case you didn’t notice, summer is here.  (I’m just kidding, I’m sure you noticed).  Exercising in the heat can be quite uncomfortable, especially as our bodies adapt to the change in the weather.  Here are some tips to help mitigate the intensity of the summer while keeping us safe and functional.

1) Drink water.  And then drink some more.  Hydration is such a key aspect of performance even when we’re not sweating out gallons a day.  Hydration for workout happens hours and hours before you come in, so plan ahead, even if it means getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.  Your body will thank you for it when you come in to work out.

2) Gradually expose yourself (not like it sounds…).  Our bodies will adapt to the heat, but only if we let them.  If the only time you are not in air conditioning is when you’re at the gym, you’ll never be fully ready for it.  I’m not saying just sit out in the sun all day long, but if you slowly try to expose yourself to more and more of the summer heat (while staying properly hydrated), it will get easier and easier to tolerate.  Think of this: a 50 degree day in March feels downright tropical versus a 50 degree day in October.  That’s a result of what your body is currently adapted to.  Let it do its job.

3) Check your diet.  The cleaner we eat, the easier it’s going to make it for our bodies to do their jobs and adapt.  Very few things can have as great an impact as being deliberate with what we put in ourselves.  I’m not saying avoid any of the upcoming festivities, but perhaps do so mindfully.

4) Drink water.  Seriously.  Right now.  Drink a glass.  And then fill it again and keep it close.

It’s hot out, friends.  Stay well and be safe.

STR:

Press
3-3-3-3-3

WOD:

8 rounds
5 deadlifts (225/155)
10 ball slams
200m run

*Reminder – we will be closed tomorrow (Friday), July 4th.  We will be running the 10am class still on Saturday and open gym 10-1 on Sunday.