We all know Abu Dhabi gets immensely hot during summer, but does that mean we should give up on keeping fit? We are here to tell you that there are numerous ways you can beat the heat and still reach your fitness goals.
To begin with, summers run the risk of dehydration, especially if you workout outdoors at OCR Park. Therefore, we cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your body hydrated by having liquids. You should not be consuming too much caffeine or caffeine-containing beverages. Instead, opt for drinks such as fruit juices or coconut water which have high levels of water content to keep your body hydrated after a training session. Additionally, timing is everything. 10 a.m to 4 p.m is known for being the hottest time of the day, and it is not recommended that you workout outdoors during these peak hours.
Load up on SPF, a sweat-resistant formula that will stay on as you exercise! Reapply at two-hour intervals, so you are doing the most to avoid any risks of skin damage. For clothing, wear light colours as much as possible because dark colors absorb heat, making you feel as though you’re wrapped in a warm blanket. Invest in clothes with fabrics that will pull the sweat away from your skin, keeping your skin cooler. Polypropylene is a fabric that can help you workout even during the warmer months as they are essentially moisture-proof. Cotton fabrics tend to soak up more sweat, giving you one of the worst feelings while exercising, so stray away from those!
While one may assume indoor workouts are the best for summer workouts, don’t underestimate the power of working out in the sand! Adam Rosante, a celebrity fitness coach, once said, “The sand is low-impact, saving your joints from pounding and provides an additional resistance challenge, which increases the intensity of your workouts”. Studies have proven that exercising outdoors in summer can help your body fight various infections, cases of flu, and symptoms of the common cold as it stimulates the body’s defense mechanism. Your blood circulation improves when you inhale fresh outdoor air, it is a great way to boost your immune system!
Moreover, you don’t have to spend hours working out to reach your goals, especially in the heat. Muscles and joints are more flexible in the summer, which means you need less time to warm up. High-intensity interval training can be your go-to during the months of June through September. Quick workouts can help you burn the maximum in a shorter amount of time, reducing your exposure to the sun. You can also engage in heavy resistance training, provided you are well hydrated.
If you feel sick and drained during a workout, sit down in the shade and hydrate yourself. It is also important to carry a nourishing snack such as fruit, carrots or celery sticks. These fruits and veggies can help you replace the electrolyte loss and help you gain your strength back.
Take care of yourself this summer; the heat can be daunting. At OCR Park, we have a wide range of evening, high-intensity workout classes with professional trainers. Make sure to give it a try, using our summer promo code: SUMMER40. It will only help bring you closer to your goals.
