Are you determined to be active this summer? Here are five tips from our team to succeed and to enjoy being active in the heat.
The early bird gets the worm. Or at least… cooler temperatures. When a heatwave is predicted, plan to go outside early in the morning, when the sun is still half asleep. You can, for example, take a walk before breakfast or weed the garden while sipping an iced coffee.
A breeze is welcome. Good air circulation helps to wick the heat from the skin’s surface, which is really refreshing when you’re doing sports on a hot day. Of course, you can’t really control the wind, but you can create the desired effect by hopping on your stationary bike or doing floor exercises in front of a fan!
Look for water! Several Canadian national parks offer visitors places for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and other pleasure craft rentals. Taking your grandkids to a public pool or splash pad at a local park is also a good excuse for you to cool off.
Nature is at your service. Even in stifling heat, the air is much cooler in the woods. If you can, trade asphalt for a forest hike. If you’re in the city, head to the shade of your backyard or a park to do yoga or Pilates.
The virtues of air conditioning. Although we like to play outside as much as possible in the summer, there are those brutally hot days when air-conditioned spaces are a real blessing. This is the time to take advantage of your gym membership or – why not? – start a boxing or Zumba class in a studio near you.
These are five winning strategies for beating the heat! Remember, however, that intense heat should not be taken lightly when you’re doing physical activity. Stay well hydrated, be sun safe and, above all, listen to your body by lowering the intensity of your workout as needed.
Have a great summer!
Learn more
- You’re active in the heat. You’re at risk! Protect yourself from extreme heat, Government of Canada.
