The summer is a great time for physical activity - be it playing a
sport, an aerobic exercise routine, or just returning to that old
jogging path.
"Exercise is the fountain of youth and summer is the perfect time to re-connect with your body,"
says Dr. Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the
Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at New York-Presbyterian
Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
According to Dr. Andersen, the following tips may help make your summer physical activity a more successful one:
- Have a chat with your doctor before beginning or changing an exercise regimen.
- When it gets too hot, do it indoors; exercise in a cool place that
has air-conditioning. Extreme temperatures can alter the body's
circulation, raise your heart rate, and make breathing harder. - Remember to stretch. Even in the summertime, our bodies need to
warm up. As you are exercising, take time to work on breathing and
posture -- improving these will greatly enhance your health. - Drink plenty of fluids. Throughout your workout routine it is
important to drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty. If
you are prone to lightheadedness (from low blood pressure), are an
endurance athlete, or over age 75, you should replenish your
"electrolytes" as well -- having a little salt can be important for
you. - Try maintaining an even body temperature. After your workout do not
take extremely hot or cold shower, or a sauna, as these can increase
the workload on your heart. - Remember that during the hottest weeks of the summer the coolest
times to exercise during the daytime are either very early in the
morning or late in the afternoon. - Apply sunscreen. Your body's ability to cool itself will be
undermined if you have sunburn. Always remember to apply sunscreen to
your entire body every morning. - Take it slow. Start your exercise regimen slowly and pace yourself
throughout the workout, including plenty of time for breaks and to
drink fluids. - Have fun. Taking time to exercise is taking time for you. Enjoy it
-- smile, breathe deeply and clear your mind. Exercising to music is
mood and energy enhancing, but if you are outside wearing headphones,
Pay Attention!
News release derived from www.medicalnewstoday.com.
Original Source: New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
