ProAction Physical Therapy

Monthly Newsletter📰📰📰

by Kelsey O'Keefe, DPT

Stay Safe Exercising in the Summer Heat

As temperatures☀️☀️☀️ rise, it’s important to adjust your workouts to stay healthy and avoid heat-related illness. Whether you’re running🏃‍♀️‍➡️, walking🚶‍♂️‍➡️, cycling🚴‍♀️, or exercising outdoors, a few simple changes can help you continue training safely all summer long.

How Heat Affects Exercise

When you exercise in hot or humid conditions, your body has to work harder to cool itself. This increases stress on your heart and muscles and can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and heat illness more quickly than expected. Humidity can make things even harder because sweat doesn’t evaporate as efficiently, reducing your body’s ability to cool down.

General Hydration Tips!

    Drink water consistently during

the day

    For longer or very sweaty workouts,

consider drinks with electrolytes

    Rehydrate after exercise, especially

if you notice heavy sweating


Signs of dehydration can include:

● Dark Urine

● Dry Mouth

● Dizziness

● Headache

   Fatigue

  Muscle Cramps

If these symptoms occur:

    Stop exercising immediately

    Move to a cool or shaded area

    Drink fluids

    Use cool towels or ice packs

    Rest until symptoms improve

Tips to Modify Exercise in the Heat

    Exercise during cooler parts

of the day, such as early

morning or evening

    Slow your pace and reduce

intensity when temperatures or humidity are high

    Take more frequent walk breaks or rest periods

    Choose shaded routes when possible

    Wear lightweight, light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing

    Allow time to acclimate if you’re not used to exercising in the heat

    Consider moving workouts indoors on extreme heat days

Knowing the Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

    Heavy sweating

    Weakness or fatigue

    Dizziness or lightheadedness

    Nausea

    Headache

    Muscle cramps

    Chills or clammy skin

    Rapid heartbeat

Heat Stroke - A Medical Emergency

If these symptoms occur:

    Confusion or disorientation

    Fainting

    Difficulty speaking

    Loss of coordination

   High body temperature

    Hot, red skin

    Symptoms rapidly worsens

📞Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cool area and begin cooling with ice, cold towels or fans while waiting for help!

Heading HereProAction Pointers

When to Seek Help!

Stop exercising and seek medical care if you experience:

    Chest pain

    Shortness of breath that feels unusual

    Persistent dizziness

    Vomiting

    Confusion

    Symptoms that do not improve with rest and hydration.


Remember - your fitness is not going to suffer if you make modifications due to heat!! Fitness is gained over several weeks of consistency, and missing or modifying just one or two workouts will not lessen all of the gains you have made. It is better to stay safe!

🏢ProAction PT

11820 Parklawn Drive,

Suite 140

Rockville, MD 20852

☎️Phone: 301-881-2273

📠Fax: 301-881-3880

📧Email: nfo@ProActionPT.com

🌐Web: www.ProActionPT.com

Proud 2 Year Winners !!

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