Do you exercise outside during the summer? It’s important to take extra care of yourself because the heat can add stress to the body. Here are easy ways to protect yourself against the heat.

Look at the time

If you exercise midday chances are you will have a more difficult time completing your routine. If you run outside in the midsummer day the heat could make it excruciating painful. You may have to cut your workout short. Instead exercise in the morning before the sun fully comes up, or even in the evening when the temperature has cooled down. This will help protect your body from over exertion and heat stroke.

Drink up

Drinking lots of water throughout the day is very important especially during the summer. If you are an active person who goes outside to work out, continue drinking every 15 minutes while you’re working out, this will keep you hydrated and prevent you from experiencing dehydration.

Switch up your type of workout

If you normally run, maybe you want to try yoga, biking or even swimming. Doing the same exercise everyday can deplete the body and encourage boredom with the muscles. Go to a new exercise class or invite a friend. Even go for a walk in the park switching up your workout routine can improve your mood as well as your overall health. If it’s hot outside you can be cool inside and you can take care of your body that way.

Listen to your body

If you experience nausea, cramps or even headaches or difficulty breathing it is okay and necessary to stop. You don’t have to push yourself through pain. Exercise and working out should be fun and enjoyable, you can take it slow and possibly enjoy the way that your body is feeling. At any given moment it is important to listen to your body.

Find a power posse

If you exercise alone chances are your motivation might not be as high as it would be if you had a partner. Finding a partner to work out with can be more fun and you can help push each other. If you really feel like you don’t want to go for a work out your buddy will be there to help motivate and inspire you to action. Finding a good workout partner is important. Look for someone who has the same goals as you. Whether you’re training for an endurance event or you simply want to lose weight together, making sure that you have a buddy can help empower your workout.

When you work out with a buddy always listen to your body. It’s important to listen to your body especially when it comes to your health. Take care of it and make sure you are putting sunscreen on especially when you go outside to take care of your body and health.