What it’s like to exercise outdoors in 40 degrees heat?
Before working out outside in Dubai’s summer months, I usually check the weather. If it’s a high humid day, I usually try and avoid it. Otherwise, it doesn’t feel so bad when humidity levels are low.
Since I am not a morning person, I choose to exercise at around 5pm. The sun is low and it’s a bit more breezy. I usually go to Media City Park. With lots of trees around, it’s a shaded enough place for outdoor workouts. This park is also home to a little man-made lake, which has a track around it, perfect for walking or running.
At first, it took a while for my body to get used to the heat, but once I was outside for longer than five minutes, it becomes a bit more comfortable. The heat becomes ‘normal’.
I usually wear a cloth mask when exercising and never the N95 mask, as it could cause serious problems if you wear this heavy-duty mask and are performing any strenuous movements, especially outside. So I opt for something that’s a bit more breathable.
I warm up by running around the lake and will usually be super sweaty afterwards.
The benefit of outdoor exercise especially in this heat is the fact that you sweat almost immediately.
Benefits of sweating includes detox of heavy metals, elimination of chemicals and bacterial cleansing.
I then do some HIIT exercises on the grass: Squats, short sprints, kettlebell swings and strength exercises with resistance bands.
Then onto the mat for some ab workouts. Doing a plank in this heat does wonders. Then some Russian twists and V-sit ups.
By the end of the workout, I am usually soaked and it feels good. I always remember to drink a lot of water and a little extra that day when I get home since I know I sweat most of my body water out. I am always so careful not to get dehydrated.
SELF-COOLING
Generally, working out in hot weather will improve your body’s ability to cool itself. You start to get used to self-cooling, so you don’t need much to cool down.
Exercising in hot conditions also causes an increased blood flow to your skin, which means better, more glowy and healthier skin. Additionally, you will have better circulation in your body. The blood will be pumped to all of your extremities. Something that helps your body achieve optimal health.