We are having a bit of a heat wave in my area. I personally love the heat, but it definitely requires a different strategy for exercise.
My friend and I tried to beat the heat yesterday and we went out for a run at 7:20am after bootcamp. We planned a good, difficult 8.8 miles… and we thought we could beat the heat.
We were sorry to be wrong. We cut our route short and added in a load more walking than we intended.
Sometimes heat will do that to you!
It was the kind of heat where I had 30 grams before I started running, lowered my basal lower than I usually do for a run, checked 30 minutes in and was 98. I had a 25 gram gu, ran another 15 minutes, checked again and was 99. Normally, I would have maybe had 20 grams that entire run, and a more normal temp basal for my run.
I’m telling you, it was HOT.
(When we got back, I needed an immediate nap. I slept for 90 minutes! My friend told me she still feels wiped out today—normally that route would have been no big deal for either of us.)
So what can you do when it’s a zillion degrees out, shade is nearly nonexistent, you are sweating as soon as you open your door, but you still want to get in a workout??
Many runners suggest starting a run as early in the day as possible to avoid the heat. I think tomorrow I may try a before-bootcamp run, if I can get to bed early enough tonight. Some say wear a hat to protect your head from the sun. Everyone says to keep hydrated by drinking a lot of water and electrolytes during the day.
But what if getting outside is simply not feasible for you and you still want to work out??
Here’s my latest suggestion. Try something new INSIDE when it’s crazy hot. Check out a workout via Netflix Instant.
If you have air conditioning and you have space, any regular cardio workout is great. If you don’t have A/C, try the coolest spot you can find and go for a short stretch or yoga workout.
It’s fun to keep things interesting and try new things despite the weather.
You’ll find the Netflix workouts in the “Sports & Fitness” genre, Workouts. You can try an Ab, Glutes, & More workout, a Yoga, Low Impact or even Qigong!
The 10 minute Solution workouts are nice because, well, if you don’t like them, you’ve only got 9 minutes left. (Although I’ve also just stopped and tried another option.) I’ve also heard good things about the Crunch Candlelight Yoga workout. What’s the risk involved in trying it out on your instant queue?
I’d try Yoga Booty Ballet or Yoga Zone workout if I were willing to wait for a DVD. I’ve done some of the Yoga Zone workouts and they are okay. I also like Rodney Yee, and always appreciate the blissful beaches where they film.
Read the member reviews and check out the star ratings—you never know what will work for you and what won’t work as well. Remember if it is a new activity for you, your insulin needs will probably be lower than normal even for exercise, and on hot days you may need more or less overall; be smart about what you’re doing with your insulin and keep some juice nearby. Always have water within reach and be sure to stay hydrated as you work, A/C or no A/C.
Close the drapes and ban others from the room (if they aren’t joining you) and then just bust a move. It’s fun, and safer on crazy hot days!
