5 Ways to Stay Active in the Summer Heat

Staying active is integral to your health and wellness—but being active in the summer heat can come with some potential health risks. The last thing you want is to end up in urgent care with symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke this summer. Fortunately, there are some great summer activities that can help you keep moving without overdoing it!

Become a Mall Walker

On days when it’s too hot outside to go for a walk, you can still get your steps in by heading to your local mall. Walking around inside a comfortable, air-conditioned space is a great way to stay active without working up too much of a sweat. And of course, mall waking gives you an opportunity to do a little window shopping, too!

Create a Home Gym Space

If you have a little space to spare inside your home, consider setting up a small home gym to use not just during the summer months, but year-round. You don’t need a lot of equipment. A few sets of weights, a yoga mat, and resistance bands can go a long way without taking up too much space. You can also check out some free exercise videos on YouTube for a bit of guidance!

Take a Dip in the Pool

If you have access to a swimming pool (whether on your own property or at a local gym), take advantage! Going for a swim is a great way to beat the summer heat while staying active. In fact, swimming can burn more than 900 calories in an hour! Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy a low-impact workout in a fun setting.

Time Outdoor Walks Appropriately

While mall walking is a fantastic option, there’s really no substitute for a nice outdoor stroll! If you decide to go on outdoor walks this summer, you can minimize heat and sun exposure by timing your walks carefully. Avoid walking outside during the hottest and sunniest times of the day, which tend to be during the afternoon. Instead, take a morning or evening walk and stick to shadier trails. (Read: ”Protecting Yourself from Poor Air Quality During Wildfire Season”)

Exercise Your Green Thumb

Keep your yard looking amazing while getting a workout in by using your free time this summer to do a little landscaping and gardening! Pulling weeds, planting flowers, and tending to plants on your property can be quite a workout. Meanwhile, your efforts can pay off when you’re able to step back and admire your work.

Explore Summer Activities

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to stay active in the summer heat without putting your health and wellness at risk. From moving your workouts indoors to timing your outdoor activities accordingly, staying active in summer doesn’t have to mean subjecting yourself to brutal sun and temperatures. Still, if you end up overdoing it, Carbon Health provides virtual and in-person primary and urgent care — book an appointment today.