Hello everyone.
Here we are once more...still at the Yoga Studio, but today... the windows are wide open, the shades are drawn and it is wonderfully cool.
The weather, for a fair few of us, is changing, and as usual with the UK weather, it can take a bit of getting used to, From chilly winds, and icy air, we have muggy, humidity , thunderstorms and a lot of rain too. But... it is getting warmer , a lot warmer too, and for some, that means a lot more to think about when we are doing our regular exercise
The ideas of exercising in the heat is not always appealing... whether here in the UK or if you are enjoying a wonderful, get away, in tropic climes, it can cause problems.
Benefits too, come with the sunshine, though, in the form of boosts of Vitamin D. ( do not forget the sunscreen), and also, a real mood booster, plus, the lure of getting outside and enjoying everything on offer
Okay... things to think about: dehydration... overheating... heatstroke and generally overdoing things!
We need here, to really listen to our body and take notice of what it is telling us. This is not a time to push ourselves.
Outdoors... the availability of shade, fluids and the correct exercise wear are manifest.
* You don't take in enough fluid.. you may become dehydrated.
* Over exertion can cause heatstroke, ( especially a combination of humidity and heat).
This doesn't just affect you at the time, it may exacerbate other underlying conditions and of course, the added pain of a disrupted and restless night's sleep!
The heat of the day in the UK peaks between 11 and 3, really felt at midday and onward maybe of you are able, try and get your workout done in the early morning or similarly, as the sun starts to set and things begin to cool down. I set out for one of my runs on Sunday and it was already very warm, even before 8 a.m. The air quality was poor and humidity was unpleasant. I cut my run short.
Indoors too... make sure you have the right gear and your fluids!
Looser fitting, lighter coloured clothing, specially designed to wick sweat away from the body is ideal. Loads of choices out there and not all costing the earth. An outfit all black may attract more heat to your already warm body so opt for light colours like white, light greens/yellows and blues.
Okay... at risk of repeating what is my favourite mantra on my running forums... slow and steady does it!
Take your time... ease into things, if you are exercising you are using a lot of energy.
Start slowly and gently and build up gradually. Be kind to yourself
There is a wealth of information out there, giving you lots of ideas about how to be safe, when you are exercising in the heat. What to eat and what to drink....but the bottom line?
Stay safe... you know your body and you know how to take care of it... what you have to do is, put that knowledge into operation.
E.g... I know that normally, I do not take water on any run shorter than 10K... unless it is really, really hot, but after Sunday morning... , even early, the air quality and humidity meant that I would have been a lot happier with some water to pour over my wrists or neck. Next time, I will be prepared
Okay... Yoga time... how goes it? Is anyone still managing to get those sessions in. A few folk are following the May YWA. I know that in this weather, I am really enjoying doing the sessions first thing in the morning... either in my studio or outside. Just exercising, listening to the birds and feeling the fresher air is very relaxing . It is a perfect way to start the day and puts me in the mood for my other regular routines which follow...
Now, chat time... grab a cool drink and share your thoughts.
Any tips for staying cool... what time of day is your time to exercise in this warmer weather. Are you doing less, in the form of exercise, or have you changed any of your routines.
Looking forward to seeing some of you later...
Stay safe, stay cool ..
Oldfloss x
April Challenge week 3 - Feel free to join.