Training in the Heat by Kristen Koltun
[This is a guest blog by one of our newest interns, Kristen Koltun, a masters sport science student from UNC.]
As summer begins, and temperatures continue to rise it is important to understand how the heat can affect you and your ability to exercise. Heat is an added stress on the body and it requires your various systems to work harder than they normally have to. This often makes workouts and exercises harder to complete in hot temperatures compared to cooler days.
Two main concerns with being active in the heat are rises in body temperature and dehydration. When the temperature outdoors is hotter than body temperature, it becomes difficult for the body to cool itself and high humidity can make this situation even worse. Similarly, sweating is greater in hot temperatures. Increased water loss can limit your ability to exercise, as well as pose a health risk. Because of these added risks of exercising in the heat it is smart to take certain precautions. These include wearing light weight clothing, making sure to stay hydrated before, during, and after an exercise bout and to remember to take breaks when necessary.
