How to… exercise in the heat

Jussi Peltonen, senior researcher at polar.com, shares his tips

HYDRATE

‘Drink water before, during and after exercise. When we work out in the heat, it’s also important to watch out for signs of dehydration. You should stop if you feel dizzy or light-headed, or if you experience disorientation, nausea or headaches.’

SKIP BREAKFAST

‘If you’re gently exercising in the morning, skip breakfast. When you digest food, your body temperature increases slightly, so an empty stomach will help you tolerate the hot weather better. Be sure to eat afterwards though.’

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME

‘Work out around sunrise. Even on a blistering day, those are the coolest hours of the day. If you’re not a morning person, avoid midday and walk in the evening.’