GOOD
Fitness
SUMMER WORKOUTS:
How to Beat the Heat BY TAMMY UYEDA, BSc(PT)
The long, hot days of summer have arrived and many of us are ready to embrace the sunny outdoors for our exercise and activity. A little caution and planning for the heat will go a long way to ensure that we can still get a great workout in and enjoy outdoor training safely.
Exercise-related Heat Illness
E
xercise-related heat illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are two similar, but progressively worsening conditions which should be taken seriously. Our body functions optimally at 37°C but if elevated a few degrees by external factors (e.g., heat and humidity) or internal factors (e.g., exercise exertion), danger arises and our bodies go into emergency mode.
Heat Exhaustion If we exert ourselves in the heat and elevate our core body temperature to 40°C, heat exhaustion can occur. Our bodies will do what they can to maintain homeostasis by trying to lower our core temperature and force us to stop causing ourselves harm. Symptoms of heat exhaustion: • nausea or • muscle cramps vomiting • heavy sweating • headache • pale or cold skin • dizziness • elevated heart • weakness rate
TAMMY UYEDA, BSc(PT) is a clinical Physiotherapist, certified group fitness instructor, and owner of FitSpark Health. She is passionate about motivating and inspiring people to live an active lifestyle and can usually be found shuttling her three pre-teen and teenaged sons between soccer fields. She shares workouts, exercise tips, and her favourite fitness-related finds on her Instagram page. 19 | July/August 2021
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