Receive one month free on a Business Address Virtual Office.
For those of us who like to sweat it out and stay fit, being able to exercise in the great outdoors is highly appealing. However, when you live in a desert climate, there are extra precautions you need to consider taking to avoid developing heat-induced conditions like dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.
Each of these three nasty maladies will knock you off your feet and may land you in hospital for up to a few days and full recovery might take a while. If left untreated, you risk serious long-term damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles.
So how do you avoid overheating while exercising in the desert, especially during the summer months? Read on!
Essential Tips for Working Out Outdoors in the Desert
1.Stay Hydrated
Our bodies are mostly made up of water, and therefore when we work out and lose essential fluid through sweat, we need to stay hydrated. Taking a supply of water with you is essential. Sports drinks may be a better bet for workouts over an hour in length. They contain essential electrolytes like sodium, and potassium that will aid in hydrating and nourishing your body by directing water to your cells.
Pace your fluid intake to maintain a steady flow of hydration. Gulping a large amount of fluid right before you start could lead to overhydration, or hyponatremia, causing low blood sodium that leads to dehydration.
2.Start with a Cold Shower
By showering with cool water before you embark on your fitness routine, you’ll help lower your body temperature at the start. By keeping your hair wet, you’ll also maintain a lower body temperature for the initial portion of your workout.
3.Dress Appropriately
What you wear is especially important, as you don’t want to lock in the heat generated by your body. Choose fabrics that help to wick away sweat. Cotton is a lightweight fabric that works well, and now clothing made from hemp is becoming popular, being both breathable and absorbent. Light and bright colors will help to reflect the sun and keep you visible to oncoming traffic.
4.Slather on the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential as perspiration will worsen the irritant effects of a sunburn. SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, needs to be high enough to combat the sun’s harmful rays, and the higher the SPF rating, the more it will stay effective against sweat. Experts advise that you refrain from outdoor exercise if you already have sunburn, as you may be more susceptible to heat stroke.
5.Know When to Go Inside
If the outdoor temperature is hot enough to feel fatigued within a short time into your routine, then it is time to take the workout back indoors. Choose a timeframe that falls outside the peak of the day’s heat, such as before eleven am and after three pm. Workouts should energize you, so select the best time for your schedule.
Working out in the desert can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience. By following these tips, you can safely enjoy your surroundings and get in a good workout without running into difficulties. The area of Coachella Valley is a beautiful location to explore while exercising, and the administrative team of your flexible office services space at Fusion Workplaces Palm Desert can recommend the best locations for a safe and fun workout.
