Staying Fit in the Heat
With the mercury hitting 90 degrees so many days in a row in the NW, it’s causing lethargy in even the most energetic fitness fanatics. Here’s some tips to keep your energy high and your fitness routine in check when you just can’t handle the heat!
Find the AC
There are plenty of fitness opportunities that will keep you cool. Your local gym, training studio and rock-climbing center will all have you feeling nice and cool while you’re sweating buckets!
Head to The Water
Swimming is a fabulous workout and a great way to stay cool. Kayaking, paddle-boarding, wake-boarding & water skiing are all fabulous water sports that will keep your temperature down.
Seek Refuge in the Mountains
Often you can escape the heat by heading to elevation and the shade on the trails from the tree canopies.
Head to Your Local Park
Parks often provide plenty of trees and shade to keep you cooler.
Go Riding
Biking is a great workout and since you’re riding at fast speeds, the air moving over your body will keep you cooler than say a run in the heat.
Dawn or Dusk
Plan your workouts early in the morning or late in the evening to escape the heat of the day.
Wear the Right Gear
Choose gear that wicks away moisture which will help to keep you cool while exercising. Avoid cotton.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated will help you feel cool. Pouring water over your head like elite marathoners do also works to keep your core temperature down when working out in the heat.
Pace Yourself
Your body is already working overtime to manage the heat so it’s typically not a good idea to push the pace on a hot day. Just getting through the workout is accomplishment enough!
Staying consistent over the summer is critical to maintaining your fitness and avoiding having to start from scratch in September!
Sherri McMillan, M.Sc. has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for over 25 years and has received numerous industry awards including International Personal Trainer and Fitness Presenter of the Year. She is the author of five books including “Go For Fit – the Winning Way to Fat Loss” and “Fit over Forty” and is the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver and can be seen running, hiking or cycling with her two children, Brianna and Jackson. She can be reached at www.nwPersonalTraining.com or www.ShapeupwithSherri.com
Note: As an avid Columbian reader, you can redeem a 2 week pass at her world-class training studio to help get you started. Contact 360.574.7292 for more details.
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.