How Summer Heat Exercise Works for You

Posted May 28, 2024

Have you ever wondered why, despite extremely hot weather, people want to exercise outdoors in the middle of a Louisiana summer? These members aren’t crazy; there really are benefits to hitting the heat before, during or after a workout.  

  • Heat exposure is incredibly soothing. Heat relaxes your muscles, eases pain, increases circulation, flushes out toxins and improves immunity.  
  • Being in the heat can program your body to regulate core body temperature more efficiently. 
  • If you have arthritis or your muscles are especially tight, it might be a good idea to hit the steam room before your workout to help loosen up trouble areas. The heat eases the aches associated with stiff joints and tight muscles, as well as temporarily increases elasticity of your connective tissues. 
  • When your body temperature rises, blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to flow more easily throughout your body. As a result, nutrients and oxygen are delivered to your cells more efficiently. 
  • Outdoor exercise, when done properly, increases athletic performance by increasing hemoglobin in the blood. This is the part of the blood that carries oxygen, and more hemoglobin means more oxygen is delivered to hard working muscles. In turn, this can also improve your cardiovascular endurance. 
  • Stimulation of white blood cells boosts immunity, while sweating allows your body to release toxins.  
If you want to give outdoor workouts a try, do so slowly. It takes the body about two weeks to acclimate to exercise in the heat. Start by exercising earlier or later in the day, when the temperature isn’t as extreme, and work out for a shorter time at a lower intensity. Do this over several days, gradually adding a few more minutes and upping the intensity for each session. Wear clothes that allow your body to cool and wick away sweat.