Yo, just before I begin on this whirlwind of fun and games, I just want to thank anyone who actually reads these. I think I will enjoy writing them, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading them…

Now, without further ado…

Exercise in the heat

What constitutes excessive heat?

I was frustrated researching this, because in the UK, there is no definition of excessive heat. IE, there is no explicit number stated by the government that declares a temperature too high.

The best information I could find was through gov.uk, where it stated that temperatures exceeding 30°C “can impact the public’s health”. Thanks Gov…

However, lets be thankful, because in the US the National Weather Service has to issue an “excessive heat watch”, when temperatures soar around 41°C. This is monstrously high for anyone even contemplating watering some grass, let alone exercising.

My thinking now is to get the negative malarky out of the way, before I provide you with some sort of solution…

SO, what are the risks involved with exercising in the heat?

1. HypErthermia (IE an ↑ in core temperature);
2. Dehydration or HypOhydration (loss of essential water and salts + minerals, through waste products like sweat, urine etc).

As a general rule of thumb, humans lose, and gain heat in various ways:

Gain?

• Metabolic heat (heat produced in cells within the body, and is necessary for life)
• Environmental heat:
  • Conduction;
  • Convection;
  • Radiation*.

Loss?

• Radiation (transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves);
• Conduction (by contact);
• Convection (by air movement);
• Evaporation* (by sweat).

I have starred ‘radiation’, as it is one of the main sources of heat gain, and ‘evaporation’ as it is the most common form of heat loss.

So, why are dehydration, and hyperthermia such an issue?

Now while we can’t measure some of these figures without some pretty ghastly equipment, it is crucial to know what can occur as a result of the above.

• A lack of fluid intake induces a higher core temperature, and skin temperature. This puts you at major risk during exercise. This was shown by Sawka et al n 2012, where they stated that “aerobic performance begins to be impaired when skin temperatures exceed 27°C.”;
• It also increases the rate at which blood plasma volume decreases, due to excess fluid lost in sweat;
  • Plasma is important as it helps maintain core temperature, stores minerals, and controls blood pressure
• What is key to note are Fortney et al’s findings. They found that blood plasma has an initial, temporary increase during acute (Short-term) heat exposure. Therefore, if you are not sufficiently hydrated, this initial quantity of plasma is lessened, and you are able to tolerate heat stress a lot less. Bad times…

OK, now all the bad vibes are out of the way, lets seek the light at the end of the tunnel.

Solutions

1. Training time;
2. Ideal temperature;
3. Clothes worn;
4. Cooling strategies;
5. Appropriate fluid intake.

+ much more, but will only chat about these as they are applicable to the general population.

Training time

This has a fairly simple answer, but according to Rushall et al, when temperatures exceed 25°C, you should be wary of the negative effects of training. Anything above 28°C, and you’re a mad-man/woman.

It would seem obvious to keep this exercise to the mornings, or when the sun begins to go down. Temperatures <20°C are most comfortable for me, personally. I sweat a lot and am sensitive to heat, so if you’re worried, work by that…

Clothing choices?

Minimal/Naked if appropriate.

In all seriousness, you never see a runner in a thick jumper. They are generally spotted sporting either shorts/leggings with a tank top that is far too big for them. Be more like them. They smart (Adapted DJ Khaled Quote).

The less clothing, the cooler you will be. Science.

Cooling Strategies?

• Fluid intake
  • As mentioned, it is important for maintaining blood plasma levels during exercise, as well as helping attenuate the increase in core body temp.
  • Cold water seems the most effective for keeping rectal temperature lower post-exercise, according to Siegel et al (2010)
• Whole-body ice water immersion (best yet least practical strategy)
• Whole-body cold water immersion (swim)
• Feet and hands cold water immersion

Appropriate fluid intake?

Although hard to quantify, it is suggested to start consuming water 2-3 hours before exercising. If you are prone to sweating (losing fluids), 500-600ml in that time is recommended by Anushree Ashtekar.

The most common recommendation would be to carry a bottle around with you all day and sip on it. Thats what I do at least… On top of that, if you have lost a lot of fluid, it is best to consume water as well as isotonic drinks such as a lucozade or powerade.

Final thoughts

As an active guy, I avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day because lets face it, being a hot, sweltering mess is not fun.

However, as an advocate for exercise whenever possible, the weather must never limit you. Tailor your exercise to what is around you. Keep it short, keep it indoors, stay hydrated, and try some of those cooling strategies.

Listen to your body, because at the end of the day, health is wealth.

The end.