Four cool tips for hot weather workouts

Looking for some cool solutions to keep your workout on track during the hot summer months? Here are four hot weather workout tips

Take a cold shower before your workout

A German study has found that a pre-exercise cool down improves performance in the heat — probably because it lowers your heart rate as well as core and skin temperatures. Even cooling your neck or head with an ice pack can help. Dabbing a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil on the back of your neck and at your temples before a workout also provides a cooling effect and opens up your nasal passages, helping you breathe easier if the air is humid.

Choose dirt paths over concrete

Asphalt and concrete tend to radiate heat and reflect the sun’s rays, making you feel hotter so stick to dirt or gravel paths if you’re a runner, walker or cyclist. If you’re lucky enough to live near the sea, start your run/walk/cycle with the sea breeze at your back so you’ll be running back into a headwind, which is cooler.

Modify your cardio speed

Stick to your regular cardio workout, whether it’s walking, running, swimming or cycling, but choose a slightly slower speed, adding 30-second speed bursts every three to five minutes. That will help you burn calories without overheating your body. Also, use a heart-rate monitor to ensure you are not pushing yourself too hard in warm-weather conditions, which can up your risk of heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.

Fill up with fruit

Snacking on grapes, watermelon, muskmelon and other water rich fruit is the best way to replenish fluids and boost energy after a workout. Containing almost 80% water, they are your best bet. Fruit smoothies or fruit chunks with curd are also a good choice as they provide the perfect mix of carbs and fluid and are easily digestible in the summer heat.

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