8 Ways to Exercise despite the Heat ...

The most important way to exercise despite the heat is to do it with water. You always need to stay hydrated – always! Don't ever scrimp on the water, and have a bottle of it with you wherever you are. To be on the safe side, drink water a minimum of 15 minutes prior to exercising. Moreover, you need to drink 8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes you exercise.

Slushies are actually incredibly helpful when you're exercising in the heat. They can keep up your endurance and they'll keep you cool. Beyond that, the right ingredients will give you more energy. The right ingredients will also keep you hydrated. Just go easy on the sugar!

Without question, you need to be doing the right kind of exercises. Some of them just don't lend themselves well to the heat. If it's 100+ degrees outside, you may not want to be running, for example. However, bicycling wouldn't be nearly as bad, because you're creating a breeze for yourself.

Another great way to exercise despite the heat is to exercise in the water. Swimming isn't the only exercise available to you, but it's a great one. There are tons of other water based sports, though, all of which will help you lose weight and stay toned. In fact, because water provides its own resistance, it might be better for you!

When it's too hot, you need to seek refuge indoors. There are lots of exercises you can do inside as well, whether you work out at the gym or in your own house. If you choose the gym, though, try to go during off peak hours, to avoid the rushes which take place early in the morning and early in the evening.

You need to know when the sun is at its hottest and strongest – and don't exercise outside at those times. I know you don't always want to be exercising indoors; in the summer, especially, you want to enjoy the fresh air. That's totally cool, but a great way to exercise despite the heat is to do it at the right time. Try not to be outside between 10am and 4pm, because that's when the sun is high and hot.

You should also try to exercise in bursts that are regular but relatively short. This way, you'll still be getting your daily workout, you just won't be exposing yourself too the elements for too long. If you exercise an hour a day, for example, just break it up into four, 15 minute increments. You get all the workout, but you won't give yourself heatstroke or get too hot.

Finally, make sure you keep an eye on the temperature. You might be tempted to take it outside no matter what, but if it's 95 degrees even in the shade, that's not a great idea. You need to keep a close watch on your own internal body temperature as well, so that you'll know when you're pushing your endurance too far.

Top Photo Credit: SashaW