Walking/working out in summer?

[megs1980]

Does anyone have any suggestions about working out and walking in the summer?  It's starting to get hot here in NC already in the mid 80's.  I usually walk with my dogs for 3-5 miles, but taking them is becoming less and less of an option as it's just too hot for my 10 year old to go that far in this heat.  It's hard to get motivated to get out when it's so hot even if I wait until the evening.  Gym membership is not really an option due to money 😞 

What all do you do to keep active/get in steps in the heat?

Thanks all!
Meghan

[dayb]

I hear you...Im in the delta region, hot and humid! in mid 90s with humidity to match. Early morning is not an option, while it is a bit cooler the humidity is about 95 or more. I have the eliptical in the garage with the ac and box fan blowing at max. I exercise in 3 shifts: morning, afternoon and evening with a few pauses.  ( in my opinion the malls are not any cooler or less humid)

[CHill]

I'm in NC and you are right it is very hot. I wear shorts and t-shirt and my small dog gets too hot and will not walk with me. So I drink plenty of water in the morning than walk at noon and also in the evening.

Listen to music while you walk and you'll forget about the heat.

[LewWagner]

I was in Mesa, AZ up until around May of 2014 and am now in Birmingham, AL.  Two harsh environemnts.  One is super hot and very dry...the other very hot and very humid.

So, I would walk around 6 AM and then in the evening after 7 in Mesa.  Here in B'ham, during the weekends, I try to get my 3-5 miles walking in the morning starting at 7 AM and walking in a wooded state park where the path is very shady.  In the evenings, I go for a 3 mile walk around our neighborhood lake at 6:30 PM.  That way, I avoid the 90 and higher degree ranges.

During workdays, I am fortunate that our office building is connected to a large shopping mall.  I try to do mall walking twice during the day (early before office hours and then during lunch).  In any event, I try to get in 3 miles each time.

I have kept this up for over 9 months and it's working for me.

Lew

[nfouts1972]

I live in California and it's HOT here! 106 today! I walk 4 miles in the early am then I also walk in late evening! Walking in the heat u burn more calories! Stay hydrated!

[WendyB]

Yes it was hot here in CA today. I always go out early even when its cold here. Love my morning walks!

[nfouts1972]

I LOVE morning walks they are so relaxing!

Nicole*Fouts

[Raviv]

Our forecast for the week (hint: it's not really a  dry heat):

This is why I belong to a gym.  Even if I go out first thing in the morning, it's going to around 90F, and it's monsoon season for the next couple of months.  Nope.

[MLGad]

I'm in Central CA, and it's supposed to be 102 today. It was 107 yesterday. I have to walk early or I get too hot.

[nfouts1972]

MLGlad nice to meet u! I live in Turlock ca! And it's been hot here! I do walk in early am but I also walk in evening!

[nfouts1972]

That's crazy heat! I thought 106 was bad!

[Tinman53]

Live in Florida and it does get warm and muggy.  But I do as a lot of others have said, walk earlier in the morning and in the evening after dinner.  Usually a little cooler at those times but can still be pretty hot!

[nfouts1972]

I agree! I do the same thing! Losing wet is not easy but, if u are determined like me u get out there and work for what u want! Walking when it's warmer is just a Bonus cuz u burn more calories!

[WendyB]

I have walked in the evenings sometimes. I just prefer early morning. I love to see the sunrise

[nfouts1972]

Mornings are greAt for walking! So other then walking what do u do to stay active?! How are ur eating habits?!
Nicole*Fouts

[MLGad]

Eating habits are improving...logging everything has really seemed to help.

Nicole, I'm in Clovis. Nice to meet you, too!

[nfouts1972]

Logging has really helped me to stay motivated and to keep track of my daily activities! My eating habits are good, I have one cheat day a week! Cool we are kinda close!;)

Nicole*Fouts

[modelmalina]

I usually work out first thing in the morning. I am also an early riser. When I had a dog she would wake me up to go out. Better then an alarm clock. Later in the evenings is good also for people who do not wake up early. Walking, jogging, biking is great. As long as you do it before the heat kicks in.

Hope this helps.

[FitBeforeFifty]

Ok this is an old thread that someone has revived but it is kind of a pet peeve of mine.

I live in Texas (near Dallas). In the summer, it's 80 degrees and 80% humidity at 6:00am. At 5:00pm it's close to 100 degrees with lower humidity. 

During my peak training, I've run 50 miles per week in this kind of weather. All you have to do is slow down. I don't begrudge anyone that likes a treadmill in an air-conditioned environment but I can't stand to run on a treadmill. As such, I will run in rain, heat and snow (but not lightning) before stepping on a treadmill.

In my opinion, weather is really just an excuse for humans -- yes for dogs you might use a different criteria because they can't sweat. For humans, however, with proper hydration and pace, you can certainly walk in just about any kind of weather. I can easily run 6 miles in 100 degree heat without any water so going for a 2 or 3 mile walk shouldn't be an issue. 

When I run long runs in the heat, I plan loops so I can stop back by my house where I have an ice chest with water and/or gatorade prepared. You can always use this approach if you really need hydration.

[aldensmith]

One of the best things about walking is that you can do it almost any time, anywhere and with no equipment needed except for a comfortable pair of walking shoes. But that's not all- going for a walk can be fun if you make it an enjoyable activity to share with family and friends.