Physical activity is an integral part of overall health; this is true for people of all ages. For seniors, it’s essential to consult with a doctor before engaging in strenuous exercises. However, it’s still necessary for them to engage in physical activity to stay healthy. In these high temperatures and the dryness we’ve been experiencing lately, it’s imperative to make sure we’re all exercising as safely as possible.
Stay Hydrated
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve written several blogs on how important it is to drink water. Well, it’s even more important to stay hydrated in high temperatures during exercise. So during exercise, you should always keep a water bottle with you and keep it filled as much as possible. If it’s easier, you could even invest in a CamelBak or another kind of wearable hydration packs. Even when you’re not exercising, you should still be drinking water throughout the day. No matter what, make sure to keep hydrated all day long. You can read this blog to learn a few tips on staying hydrated throughout the day.
Exercise Indoors
If it’s possible, try to find ways to exercise while staying indoors. Avoiding harsh temperatures as much as possible is one of the best ways to stay safe during this heatwave. Some of my favorite options for at-home exercise are Pilates, yoga, and dance. YouTube is a great resource that has countless videos to guide you in these exercises. Paid services like Apple Fitness+ also have great options if that interests you.
Take Breaks
It’s 100% okay to take breaks in your exercise if it’s too much. Especially in extreme temperatures, it’s a great idea to take breaks to let your body regulate itself and cool off. For example, if you’re outdoors, sit down in some shade for 10 minutes and resume your exercise. If you’re indoors, sit down near a fan and take a drink of water. Taking breaks will not only help keep your body cool but will also help ensure you’re not pushing yourself too hard.
Listen To Your Body
These hot temperatures are dangerous at best, but especially so during exercise. It’s vital to listen to your body and not push yourself too far. It’s a good practice to always have somebody with you during exercise in case of an emergency, especially for seniors. The risk of heat exhaustion and even heat stroke is very high during the summer, so we should all be watching out for these common symptoms:
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Visual problems
- Headache
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop exercising, get indoors, and cool down. If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help immediately.
Physical activity is paramount to healthy living, but we must make sure we take precautions and be safe. I hope this list has helped you find ways to help yourself and the seniors in your life stay safe while remaining physically active. If you enjoyed this article or found it helpful, please share it with your friends!
