Atlanta is known for its Southern charm and sultry summers. Hot Lanta, Georgia’s sub-tropic climate will bring heat waves that push temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit every summer. And let’s not even get started in discussing the legendary Georgia humidity…
Each year as many as 8,000 or more people die from the heat related causes in the U.S. Most deaths happen from May to September, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you live in a heat-prone state like Georgia, and you want to pursue your fitness goals, you should consider taking your workout indoors during the hottest months.
Why the Air Temperature Matters During Exercise
The human body regulates its own internal temperature – it’s a critical part of survival. The body has mechanisms that cool it down when it gets too hot and warm it up when it gets too cold. Your body uses the temperature around you as a gauge to facilitate this process.
Why is Exercising Outdoors Risky in Atlanta?
Atlanta doesn’t just have heat, it also has humidity – which can amplify the effect of the baseline temperature. Humidity increases the air’s thermal capacity, making 90 degrees feel like 100 or more. Humid air also limits your body’s ability to cool itself, since it’s harder for sweat to evaporate from the surface of your skin.
Working out in hot, humid weather can lead to dehydration or heatstroke. When your sweating stops, your body’s temperature regulation mechanisms lose control, causing your internal temperature to rise to dangerous levels.
As your core temperature goes up the internal organs and central nervous system can sustain damage that might even be deadly. Even when you are drinking water, you are at risk for temperature related injuries like heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
What are the Signs of Heat Injury?
Medical issues relating to your body becoming overheated include dangerous conditions such as respiratory distress and loss of consciousness. If you are jogging outside on a trail, it could be a long time before help comes your way. When your body is overheated and stressed by the added exertion of working out, it can be easy to miss the signs that you are in real physical trouble.
These signs include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Lack of sweat
Your best option during summer in Hot Lanta is to move your workout indoors to stay comfortable and safe. When you have “home field advantage” with your routine, you pick the room’s temperature. Your ability to take a break for water or even a cool shower is available any time. Working out at home has many other advantages as well – no wasted drive time heading to a health club, no waiting for the piece of equipment you want to use, no jogging on hard roads that cause injury to your knees or back, no breathing outdoor pollution or sharing roads with cars – the list goes on…
Come and see the fitness experts at Premier Fitness Source. We’ll discuss your goals and what constitutes the perfect workout for your individual needs. And whether you end up with a jump rope or a high-end treadmill, our friendly staff is eager to help you with free advice, training tips and a test drive on the latest in exercise equipment technology. Stop by today, every Premier Fitness Source location has the air conditioning cranked up for your comfort!
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