Hey y’all, it’s Westly with Healthy West Orange! I don’t know about you, but I seem to find myself riding the struggle bus every summer. I have a really hard time finding the motivation to exercise when it feels like we live on the surface of the sun! Am I right, or am I right?
To combat the summertime sadness, I’ve created a plan for myself and my fellow Floridians. I’m determined to get active, stay cool, and enjoy this season! June also happens to be Men’s Health Month! So, guys – there’s an extra reason to get up and moving! Follow these tips for a healthy, safe, and comfortable summer in Central Florida.
Pick the right time of day
Unless you are conditioning for an event in the daytime heat, avoid exercising outside from 10am to 5pm, which is the hottest part of day. Exercising outside in the early morning will help to avoid the heat and sun, and crush your workout before you start the day! If you’re getting a move on at night, wear bright clothing, move with/against traffic (depending on the exercise), and wear reflectors or lights.
Stay hydrated
Before you go out, drink a glass or two of water. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you, or even a hydration pack. Take a drink every 15 minutes, even when you’re not thirsty. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! When you’re done with your workout, cool down with a few more glasses of water.
Dress for the occasion
Wear breathable, light-colored clothing. A lighter color will help reflect heat, increase your visibility to motorists, and moisture-wicking material will help with sweat. Wearing a hat can protect your head, face, and neck from the sun. Oh – and of course wear a bike helmet with a sun visor if you’re putting the pedal to the metal.
Seek the Shade
If you can, choose shaded trails or pathways to stay out of the sun. The local West Orange Trail is a great spot to walk, run, and ride bikes under shady trees.
Westly’s Splash Challenge
The ultimate way to stay cool in the heat is to incorporate water into your workout! Here at Healthy West Orange, many activities count towards completing Westly’s Splash Challenge. Have a water balloon battle, run through the sprinkler, or even wash the car! Register the whole family for Westly’s Splash Challenge and complete 30 minutes of water activity between June 23 – July 5, get a free summer goodie bag, and you could win 4 tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay! Register now at HWOEvents.org.
Wishing you a safe and healthy summer!
See ya around!
- Westly
