Which beach will you be exercising on this summer?
When you sweat you don’t just lose water, you lose important body liquids such as electrolytes and salt – It is crucial to maintain a balance of these liquids for your body to function. Too much water can cause nausea and muscle cramps, but not enough could lead to dehydration.
Also the loss of salt and water in hot weather can make you more prone to a number of conditions such as urinary infections, kidney stones, constipation and thrush.
Dr. Debbie Smith, GP at Leeds Student Health Practice shares her tips to take into account when exercising in the hot weather:
- Keep hydrated. Make sure you drink enough to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, but too much fluid can also be a problem so sip slowly.
- Avoid peak-times. The sun and heat is strongest between 10.00 until 16:00 so try and exercise outside that time.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Apply a minimum of SPF 30 half an hour before exercising. If you’re exercising for a long period of time make sure you bring sunscreen for another layer.
- Wear a hat. If possible wear or bring a light hat to avoid your head getting burnt when you’re in the sunshine.
- Pick lights. Remember black absorbs the heat more than light colours, so wear light colours when possible.
- Don’t test your limits. Don’t push too hard on hot sunny days because there is a possibility of getting heatstroke.
- Clean your feet. Sweaty feet can cause athlete’s foot so make sure you let your feet breathe and wash and dry them properly after each session, especially between the toes.
Athlete’s foot is easy to treat, just buy creams like Canesten’s Bifonazole Once Daily Cream.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Athlete Sunshine Health exercise Healthy Body fitness tips