Get started
Summer is a great time for being active. Even
if you live where it gets hot or humid, there are ways you can stay in shape
year-round. But make sure to take precautions when you are active
outside.
Be safe in the heat
If the temperature is lower than
80°F (27°C), you usually can be
active outside without taking extra precautions. It depends on how active you
already are and how used to hot weather you are.
But anytime you
exercise, it's a good idea to take these normal precautions:
- Drink plenty of water. This is very important when it’s hot out
and when you do
.
- Don't exercise as hard
when it's hot. Take rest breaks. Exercise more slowly than usual or for a
shorter time.
- Stay in the shade when you can.
- Avoid
exercising during the hottest times of the day.
- Wear light-colored,
breathable clothes.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as
nausea, dizziness, cramps, and headache. If you notice any signs, stop your
activity right away, cool off, and drink fluids.
When the temperature gets above
80°F (27°C), consider the heat
and the humidity. Both can put you at risk for heat-related illness. The hotter
or more humid it is, the higher your risk. For example, if the humidity is 60%
(moderate):
- Be careful when you exercise in temperatures of
80°F (27°C) to
85°F (29°C). Find shade, take
regular breaks, and drink plenty of fluids.
- Experts advise being
extremely careful between about
85°F (29°C) and
91°F (32.8°C).
- Conditions are considered extremely dangerous at
temperatures over 91°F (32.8°C).
When it is more humid, you should be careful at even lower
temperatures. Higher humidity can make it feel hotter, since your body cannot
cool off as well by sweating. This puts you at a greater risk for illness. For
more information, see the website www.nws.noaa.gov and search for "heat
index."
Older adults and children are at a higher risk for
heat-related illness and should be extra cautious. Remind children to drink
plenty of fluids before, during, and after activity.
If you are overweight, have health problems, take medicines, or use
alcohol, you may be at a higher risk for heat-related illness. You
may also have trouble if you're not used to exercising in warmer
weather.