6 Tips to Stay Cool and Comfortable During Summer Workouts
Fitness Interview
6 Tips to Stay Cool and Comfortable During Summer Workouts
Summer heat can make workouts challenging, but staying active is crucial for maintaining fitness. This article offers expert-backed strategies to keep cool and comfortable during warm-weather exercise. From timing your workouts to choosing the right gear, these tips will help you beat the heat and achieve your fitness goals safely.
- Train Early for Cooler Workouts
- Choose Optimal Times and Proper Attire
- Strategically Time and Diversify Your Workouts
- Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothes and Stay Hydrated
- Boost Recovery with IV Hydration Treatment
- Adapt Workout Habits for Summer Heat
Train Early for Cooler Workouts
During summer workouts, my go-to way to stay cool and comfortable is training early in the morning before the heat builds up. The air feels fresher, the sun is lower, and it gives the rest of the day a positive boost. If I can't work out early, I switch to shaded outdoor spots or keep things indoors with a fan blasting and windows open for airflow.
I've found wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing makes a huge difference too - it helps your body regulate temperature better and stops you from feeling drenched and distracted. Another small trick that works for me is keeping a chilled towel nearby or dabbing cold water on my wrists and neck between sets. It sounds simple, but it really helps take the edge off.
Choose Optimal Times and Proper Attire
When it comes to summer workouts, you'll want to make sure you're working out during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening, to avoid the direct heat of the sun. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows your body to breathe and sweat so you're not trapping in heat. Of course, a hat and proper hydration with drinks containing electrolytes can help you stay cool as well.
Strategically Time and Diversify Your Workouts
My favorite strategy for summer workouts is timing them strategically—either early morning or late evening, when temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense. These cooler windows allow for higher-quality training with less physiological stress, while also providing either an energizing start to the day or a perfect way to decompress after work. I also rotate my workout locations to take advantage of shaded trails, air-conditioned gyms, and water-based activities like swimming or paddleboarding, which can provide intense exercise while keeping your body temperature regulated.
Beyond timing and location, proper preparation makes all the difference in summer heat. I recommend investing in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing with UPF protection rather than cotton, which traps sweat and becomes heavy. Pre-cooling strategies like drinking cold water before exercise and applying a cold towel to your neck can delay the rise in core temperature. During workouts, adjust your expectations—accept that performance might decrease slightly in extreme heat, incorporate more frequent rest periods, and stay vigilantly hydrated by drinking before you feel thirsty and replenishing electrolytes for longer sessions. Most importantly, recognize the early warning signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, nausea, or confusion, and don't hesitate to cut a workout short if your body sends these signals.
Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothes and Stay Hydrated
To perform your best, you need to stay cool and comfortable during your summer workouts. My number-one tip is to wear moisture-wicking clothes that help prevent sweat from building up and give your skin room to breathe. I guarantee that you will always feel fresh even when the heat is on.
Additionally, I recommend staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Taking breaks in the shade and training during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, can also make a big difference. Remember, your comfort is key to maintaining focus and intensity during your training sessions. Stay cool and keep pushing your limits!
Boost Recovery with IV Hydration Treatment
A great way to stay cool and comfortable during summer workouts is to get some IV hydration afterward!
We have three med spas in the Atlanta metro area, and many of our clients (as well as our staff when we're off work) come in before or after exercise.
Stopping in for a treatment can help:
- You cool down and relax in our air-conditioned facilities
- Boost energy levels and/or speed up the recovery process
- Replenish nutrients you may have lost while sweating
- Rehydrate you, so you're ready to take on your next workout
Four easy tips for beating the heat include:
- Wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
- Taking along a cooling towel
- Keeping a water bottle by your side
- Rehydrating with IV hydration before or after training
Adapt Workout Habits for Summer Heat
My favorite way to stay cool during summer workouts is wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and exercising during cooler hours, like early morning or late evening. I love using a cooling towel—soaked in cold water, it keeps me refreshed mid-run. To beat the heat, hydrate consistently with water or electrolyte drinks before, during, and after workouts. Opt for shaded routes or indoor alternatives like gym sessions on scorching days. Apply sunscreen to protect skin and wear breathable hats for sun coverage. Post-workout, I cool down with a cold shower and a protein smoothie to recharge. Listen to your body—rest if you feel overheated. These habits keep workouts safe and enjoyable, even in intense heat.
