For individuals of all ages, summer is the ideal time to begin working out and turning an active, healthy lifestyle into reality. As warm, sunny days begin making an appearance in Georgia, the idea of hiking on nature trails, running a marathon, or playing a game of beach volleyball outside becomes more desirable.

However, as summer nears, so does humid weather that can be difficult to exercise in. Because being active in hot weather poses several risks, here are several ways to safely exercise outside these upcoming months.

Drink plenty of water

As obvious as it sounds, drinking water on a daily basis is crucial. Without drinking an adequate amount of water, which varies depending on how much someone weighs, dehydration is likely to occur. By staying hydrated before, during, and after working out in hot weather, one will be less likely to deal with undesirable symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Doing so will help regain the fluid that is lost from exercising in humidity.

Wear lightweight clothing

Anyone who exercises regularly will know that the clothing an individual wears during a workout makes a substantial difference. This cannot be overstated enough when it comes to exercising in warm conditions. Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing pieces will prevent moisture from entering the body and make one feel cooler while engaging in physical activity. Light colors are also more favorable to wear than dark ones that absorb more heat.

Aim to workout during certain hours

The difference between working out in the afternoon and evening can make a considerable difference in the quality of one’s workout. While the afternoon sun contributes to hot weather, the evening tends to offer cooler conditions that make exercising outside more bearable.

Don’t push yourself too hard

Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t matter, for instance, how fast or slow a runner goes. While running at a faster pace will allow an individual to burn more calories, being perseverant will nonetheless provide them with the numerous health benefits associated with running over time.

In other words, it’s okay to slow down your pace. When exercising in a hot climate, it will actually be more beneficial to do so. Working out in humid conditions alone can be dangerous, and by intensifying one’s workout in the heat, developing unfavorable symptoms becomes a greater possibility.

Having said this, it’s best to divide your workout into shorter sessions or gradually develop tolerance to the heat. This can be achieved by working out in warm weather for several minutes each day and slowly increasing the time you spend exercising.

Exercising outside this summer does not have to be a hassle. By following these tips, being physically active in the heat can be both safe and enjoyable.