Working out in the heat

[lynnesq2]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone else finds that they can't do their 'usual' workout at the same intensity in the summer heat? I am working out indoors w/the air on, so it's cool enough, but I just can't figure out what else it could be that I just cannot do the workout I used to be able to - for example, last night I tried the Wedding Video (cardio only) for the first time in awhile and I was DYING after the first section. I could not even finish the last section. Before, I had NO problem whatsoever completing the entire step section with energy left over!!

Help!!! Is it the heat? It's so disappointing to not be able to complete a tape that you once had no problem finishing.
thanks for your input.
Lynn

 

[dani21496]

Sometimes after I've taken 4 or 5 days off from working out I find I don't have as much energy. Some days you just don't have as much energy than others. If it's been a while since you've done any cardio you might just need a few times to get used to it again. Also, drink plenty of water throughout the whole day and get plenty of sleep. This helps me.

 

[Aquajock]

Heat definitely affects performance, especially leg- and thigh-intensive workouts. Another factor might also be the humidity level in the air, which can affect the body's ability to sweat effectively (the higher the humidity the less apt the sweat is to evaporate and cool off the skin) as well as oxygen exchange (the more saturated the air the more you're inhaling water as opposed to oxygen). What's the dewpoint and/or heat index in your area right now?

A-jock

 

[lynnesq2]

A-Jock
Gosh, I never thought of the humidity factor. I'm in the Detroit area, don't know the heat index, but it is VERY humid the past few days. That makes a lot of sense, b/c I was drenched and sweat really wasn't evaporating!! but I thought the central air conditioning would take care of that, and I also have a fan blowing on me while i'm working out.
I just felt like such a loser not being able to finish what I consider one of Cathe's "easier" step workouts! :-(
lynn

 

[runathon]

I am in Miami. That happens to me sometimes. However, I find that my performance suffers when I don't eat well the night before. (I am an a.m. exerciser).

If I had any fried foods, or cookies, etc., I am fried and my body is heavy. Sooo, I no longer eat desserts at night and I find that I feel much better the next exercise session.

Blessings from our home to yours...Runathon

 

[cathe4me2]

I agree 100% with AJ. With this humid hot air, it is taking so much more energy just to breathe since there is less oxygen in the air. The body is designed to have oxygen. LOL Even in A/C the stale air still seeps into the house.
So without oxygen, your body is more tired than usual...hence it is harder to do workouts, much less the strenuous ones.
It has been a weird summer. Hopefully a cool front will come soon. Yet I hope it is just a front and not winter come to stay. LOL

 

[clareMc]

Lynn,

I am here in Ann Arbor, right around the corner from you: tell me about the humidity!!! 93% last night when I was watching the weather channel, disgusting!!! I am currently reducing the intensity of workouts to accommodate this because I am drenched in sweat by the end of the cool down and it's taking more out of me than it normaly would.

Keep the fans on, drink plenty throughout the workouts that you do, stop the minute you feel nauseous, light-headed, "spacey" and rest up. Reduce itensity and frequency, just for the few days while this lasts. Fall's coolness is right around the corner then you can take up the pace again.


I'm right there with ya!

Clare