Why Summer Workouts Suck and Why Pro Athletes Still Love Them

There’s nothing like a summer workout to make you question all your life choices. The sun is blazing, and your shirt is drenched in sweat before you finish your warmup. So, why do pro athletes lean into the heat like it’s a secret weapon?

Benefits of Working Out in the Heat

The two biggest benefits you will have are physiological adaptation and mental strength. Breaking them down includes a lower resting core temperature after a few days of training in heat.

Your performance in different climates will get a significant boost if you adapt in the right way. The cardiovascular system will be under stress which builds up endurance. And, you’ll get vitamin D by being exposed to sunlight.

All benefits of heat training have to be controlled since each comes with a counter-effect if not done properly.

Why do Elite Athletes Do It?

Summer workouts are a must in every outdoor sport, mainly because of acclimation. But their body also starts to sweat “more efficiently”.  This means that they stay cooler for longer periods.

Because of the heart, the blood flow is increased, which directly improves recovery, power, and speed. Even if you train alone, it gives a competitive edge, like you are having additional obstacles you need to fight against.

Summer Fitness Tips to Stay Cool

You’ve probably heard many times those old tips to stay hydrated, dress appropriately for summer training, post-workout cooldown, have a cold beverage, but I found a few tips that helped me a lot.

1. Frozen Towel - The most underrated summer workout tool. Because of the carotid arteries in the neck, your body feels instant freshnes and the heat goes away.
2. Ice Vest - Ice-filled compression shirt or cooling vest works miracles when you wear it 10 to 15 minutes before the workout.
3. Menthol Rinse - This is more of a mental trick I use to fool my brain into feeling cooler.
4. Salt in Water - I had doubts about this “hack”. Using just a pinch of salt in my water bottle helped retain water, which you are losing a lot during summer workouts.

Dangers of Exercising in the Heat

It’s very important to listen to your body during summer training. Rapid heartbeat and heavy sweating are common symptoms, but weakness and dizziness and occur.

Besides these usual side effects, you should check for a few signs of a bad training environment. Air pollution + heat can irritate your lungs and exacerbate asthma.

On the contrary, you can get chills or goosebumps, which is a bad sign. Your trainer should be familiar with these side effects and act appropriately when noticed.