Summer workout tips to help you body build safely and productively

HINTON, WV (WVNS) – The summer months can be one of the best times of the year to exercise, but it is also one of the more dangerous times of year if you aren’t mindful of the heat.

Within the gym community, the summer season is usually associated with slimming down.

However, if you are not hydrating and eating properly, summertime workouts can do more harm than good. If you are not careful, you could experience heat exhaustion, where you may start to feel bad or even pass out.

Bobcat Fitness Center Manager, Brian Smith told 59News, “If you are outside or not climate controlled, and if you are in the peak heat hours or in the evening hours, that could be potentially detrimental to you, if you’re not used to working out in that heat. If you are someone who works a strenuous job, perhaps working out after your day’s work, it could potentially be bad, because you are already fatigued, which could lead to potential injuries or cramps, potentially.”

Summer heat conditions to beware of include temperatures exceeding 85 degrees and humidity exceeding 40 percent.

Smith recommends drinking around 8 bottles of water a day, as well as having electrolyte-filled drinks. Even if you don’t have electrolytes, doing something as mixing salt into your water could help you to stay hydrated for your workout.

Smith also told 59News what to do when you are experiencing the effects of heat exhaustion consistently. “You could do a couple fifteen minute sessions, you can do a couple 30 minute sessions,” said Smith.

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