How to motivate for summer workouts
By Alison Johnson
Daily Press (Newport News, Va.)
The thought of trying to sweat in the heat and humidity can keep some people on the couch. Here are ways to make hot-weather workouts more appealing:
• Exercise in the early morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler. Look for shaded, grassy areas rather than hot pavement, especially if you work out midday.
• Drink plenty of water before you work out.
• You’ll be much happier in loose, light-colored duds made of cotton or mesh-like fabrics that keep skin dryer. Dark clothes absorb more heat.
• Plan it out. Try the “if … then” method to schedule exercise for the next day: As in, “I will jog at 8 a.m., but if it’s already 100 degrees, then I will go to the 8:30 aerobics class instead.”
• Start gradually. You may need to work out at a lower intensity for a few days to help your body adjust — and make life less painful.
• If you develop a headache, clammy skin, dizziness or nausea, stop and cool down.