Keep Your Cool with These Summer Exercise Safety Tips

For the last few weeks, Milwaukeeans have been asking one universal question, “Where is summer?” Aside from a few very hot days, we’ve been dealing with chilly rain and fog. But the good news is I know where summer has been hiding … Bend, Oregon. Which is where I’ll be for the next week. As you’re reading this, I’m currently on a plane trading the Midwest for a beautiful Pacific Northwest backdrop. Mountain biking, hiking and lazily floating down a river are on the agenda for the next week, and because my legs haven’t seen the sun in 378 days, I’m going to need to be extra careful. Thanks to these three summer activity tips, I’m confident I’ll be able to beat the heat, while still enjoying my favorite season.

• Sun’s Out, Hat On. If you know you’re going to be in the sun for most of the day, grab a hat to cover your face, and it’ll help keep you cool! It’s also important to choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects you against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay Hydrated! Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and after a high-intensity activity.
• Myth Busted. There’s a common misconception that if you eat a snack or light meal before working out, you won’t burn as many calories. But in fact, you should always try to eat a little something before exercising so your body has enough fuel to power you through your activity. A piece of peanut butter toast or an apple with string cheese offer a nice mix of protein and carbs that can fuel your workout without weighing you down.

As with any family vacation, you want to try and fit in as much as you can, but it’s important to take breaks and listen to your body.

Now that you’ve heard about one of my summer adventures, I want to hear about yours! What activities do you have planned for this summer?