Tips for Exercising in Summer
When it’s boiling outside and the humidity kicks in, sticking to your workout routine can feel like a real challenge. It’s completely normal to feel less motivated in warm weather, not to mention, working out in extreme heat can actually be risky if you’re not careful.
But don’t sweat it! Well, maybe just a little! With a few simple changes, you can still crush your fitness goals while keeping cool and staying safe.
Here are our top tips for working out smarter - not harder - in the summer heat:
1. Skip the midday sun
The sun is at its strongest between 10am and 4pm, so try to get your workout done early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. If that’s not possible, why not work out indoors in the amazing, air-conditioned facilities at our centre? Check out our Facilities to see what we’ve got going on!
2. Take advantage of our cool gym
Leading on from our first tip, our air-conditioned gym is the perfect escape when it’s sweltering outside. It keeps your body temperature in check, helps prevent overheating and makes your workout way more comfortable. Whether you’re lifting weights or hopping on a treadmill, you’ll feel the difference.
3. Dress for the heat
What you wear matters! Choose lightweight, breathable, and light-coloured clothing to reflect the heat and keep your body cool. Avoid tight or dark clothes as they trap heat and can make your workout feel harder than it needs to.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
You lose a lot of water when you sweat, which means it’s super important to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your workout. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration like dizziness, cramps, or feeling overly tired. We’ve got water fountains throughout our centre, so bring your bottle and top up as you go!
5. Don’t push yourself too hard
If it’s hotter than normal, the chances are you won’t be able to exercise at the intensity you normally do, but that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to dial back the intensity of your workout. Maybe swap your run for a walk or shorten your HIIT session.
Consistency is key; it’s more important to show up regularly than to go all out every time. Be kind to your body, especially when it's already working hard to stay cool.
6. Make a splash with a swim
Looking for the perfect way to cool down and escape the heat? Then why not swap your workout for a swim? Swimming is an excellent full body workout that’s low impact, and you’ll never feel sweaty, no matter how hard you work out!
Plus, swimming in a pool is a lot safer than open water, like beaches and lakes, which are often much colder than they look - even in summer. Our swimming pools are temperature controlled and supervised by our fully trained lifeguards to keep swimmers safe. Check out our Swimming Timetable to plan your next swim!