Keeping fit and exercising were passions of Naya Rivera. But how do you maintain a good level of physical exercise when the elements are against you? If you live in a drier and hotter location such as Florida, you need to make sure you are taking the climate into consideration.
But, even with the weather more suited to sunbathing and lounging around on a beach, there are still plenty of ways you can keep fit in a place like Florida. If you happen to live in the Sunshine State – or even just planning a trip there – here are five things to remember to make sure your health is a priority at all times.
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How to Stay Fit in Florida
Swimming to Cool Down
One thing to remember about Florida is that you are never that far away from a beach. For some that may mean a relaxing time. But swimming in the ocean is a great way to keep fit and get your heart pumping. Or you could go to one of the hundreds of pools in the state.
You should make sure that you take notice of the conditions though. Check that it is safe to swim in your location and always make sure that there are lifeguards in attendance. If you are not used to swimming in the sea you may be surprised by the strength of the waves – so remember to take it easy.
Go for a Short Run
Running is an excellent way to get your body to peak fitness. But the heat and humidity in Florida mean that you don’t have to go very far to get a good workout. If you are from out of state you may feel disappointed if your run is not as long as possible. Don’t be. Even just a short run will have an effect.
Keep some water with you as you take a run, as you will find that the conditions really dehydrate very quickly. Don’t push yourself too hard and plan intensive short runs rather than anything too extensive. Think about the UV rays too – you will need to apply sunscreen before setting off.
Stay Hydrated
We just touched on this as part of our running advice. But, if there is just one thing you remember while exercising in Florida, it is to keep hydrated. This is something that you should be thinking about for any workout, wherever you are in the country. But is even more important in a hotter climate.
Don’t just take on water when you are exercising though. You will need to keep hydrated throughout the day. So make sure you have some kind of drink on you at all times. Specialist sports drinks could be a good idea here as well, as they provide essential potassium and electrolytes.
Shorter Workouts and Multiple Breaks
Don’t assume that a longer workout will automatically be better for you. A regular regime of around 20 minutes at a time can be just as effective if you make sure the intensity is high enough. If you are exercising outdoors in Florida, this is even more important to remember.
The heat and humidity experienced outdoors in Florida can really increase your body temperature. So make sure you plan a lot of breaks in your fitness program. You don’t want to be cramping up – or worse – in hot weather.
Listen to Your Body
All of the factors we have gone through in this article are related to listening to your body. Don’t think that you can exercise in the same way if you are not used to the heat – and make sure that you give yourself a rest if you begin to feel dizzy or dehydrated in any way.
You may be something of a sun worshipper but any Florida native will tell you that you cannot stay out for too long without a rest or a drink – and that is even more the case when you are exercising. You can definitely get a good workout in when you visit this glorious state. But you should also remember that there are plenty of air-conditioned buildings to take refuge in if it is all getting too much.
