Tips for Staying Cool During Your Workout

Spending your free time outside is one of the best perks of summer — but sometimes the heat can be bit too much. When that happens, some of your best-laid workout plans can go out the figurative window, so we want to share some simple tips to help you stay cool while you crush your workout outside.

Set Up the Sprinkler

Who says kids are the only ones who can enjoy a sprinkler on a hot day? Next time you want to exercise outside, try setting up a hose or sprinkler to occasionally cool you off with a spray of water. You can even get creative and use the rhythm of the sprinkler as your Tabata timer.

Avoid Peak Times

A simple way to miss out on the heat is to schedule your workouts in the early morning before the sun has warmed things up or in evening when the temperature is going down. Peak time for heat falls between 2-5 p.m. in most cities, so keep that in mind when you are planning your day.

HIIT the Pool

When temperatures hit the triple digits, there is not much else you can do besides retreat to the water to stay cool. Use the pool as a way to switch up your workout by doing a few laps or trying out this summer circuit workout by Bowflex Fitness Advisor Tom Holland.

Rest in the Shade

When temperatures rise, your workout needs to adapt to match. Take more frequent and longer rests when you exercise outdoors in the heat. If you can, try to take your breaks under a shady tree so you can really take a moment to cool down.

Make Water a Priority

Dehydration is not a joking matter, so make sure you prioritize drinking plenty of water before, during and after exercise in warm temperatures. Implement a buddy system so you and your workout partner can remind each other to drink fluids at least every 15 minutes in high temperatures and keep a lookout for signs of dehydration.

Breathe It Out

When you are starting to feel overheated, implement a cooling breathing technique. Breathe air in through your mouth with your lips in a whistle shape and breathe out through your nose — this should help you expel some of the heat and cool off.

For more summertime fitness tips, check out our post on how to prevent blisters, chaffing and sunburns.