Running In The Summers - A Guide To Staying Healthy

By Author: biofrost
Total Articles: 19
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Summer months in India can be quite challenging - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Even more so for sportsmen, athletes, and gym-goers. For sure, switching on the air conditioner is always an option but so many among us actually love working out in the open, going for jogs at beaches, or playing sports in the outdoors. For such people, the summer months can not only be a hindrance to good health but could also pose a number of health risks like dehydration, heat strokes, and increased risk of muscle cramps. The extreme heat and humidity can have adverse effects on your body, even if you aren't jogging during the hot afternoon hours.

Here's a quick and handy little guide to ensure you stay fit and strong through the summer ordeal -
Hydrate - We cannot overstate the importance of staying hydrated. If you live in a city like Mumbai, chances are you will lose a lot more water while working out and running than usual. Very often, you may not even realize it but dehydration could start setting in. If you sweat profusely, don't be afraid to carry an extra bottle of water just in case.

Plan your runs - If ...
... you absolutely have to go out on runs, maybe you can optimize your route to include paths that are not as sunny. Also, you should stick to shady footpaths or run along the treeline of the park to avoid direct sunlight falling on you.

Sunscreen - A good solid sunscreen is always your skin's best friend, especially if you are a sportsman or regular runner. They become all the more crucial during the summer months. It is important to wear at least a SPF 50 sunscreen be it a good physical or chemical one depending on which you prefer. Don't be afraid to slather it on and blend well. Most importantly, don’t forget to reapply it after 2-3 hours if you plan on staying out for more than a few hours.

Read up on symptoms of heat illness and sunstroke - Being forewarned is being forearmed, make sure you are well aware of all the symptoms of heat-caused illnesses so you never overdo things out there. It is important to always be vigilant for these symptoms so you can take quick action.

Take breaks and slow down - Understand that your body is under additional duress as it is because of the heat. Don't push yourself too hard or feel frustrated if you cannot achieve your usual intensity levels. Take breaks if you must and slow down whenever needed. The aim is to push your body to an optimum level and not beyond.

Carry gel ice packs - Thanks to the increased humidity levels and greater amounts of water loss, there is always a greater risk of muscle cramps during the hot summer months. As a result, make sure you always carry gel ice packs or cold therapy-based products with you to ensure you are ready for any eventuality.

By making these simple yet significant changes to your workout or running routines, you will be able to ensure you have a safe experience during those hot summer months.