Trying to work out in humidity?

Thats got to be horrible! We had some unusually humid days here last summer, and it was really tough, but in general just working out in the summer is hard for me. I have to get up real early and have the fan right on me, and push my way through it. I often would give up cause it was too difficult. And would have to just settle with walking in the early morning or late evening. But I know real humid places, that doesn't help much as it's just humid consistently.

I live in Mississippi, so I feel your pain! That is why I workout at a gym.. I highly suggest you get at least a 6 month pass for summer to stay out of the heat. The other 6 months like some fall/winter/some spring are generally "cooler" lol so I can manage being outside for those months.

Drink more water!!!! The lack of motivation that most people feel when it is hot or humid outside is actually the body trying to prevent any more water loss from the sweating. It's 100% normal. However, if you are getting enough water (and electrolytes) to balance out what you are losing from the sweat, you will feel better during your workouts. Also remember, as you are becoming acclimated to working out in the heat and humidity it will take you less time to fatigue from water loss, so don't try to go as intense or long as normal. And don't forget to make sure you're getting the electrolytes too! And if you have any signs or symptoms of heat illness, stop and rest and drink more water!

I grew up in Oklahoma and went back there to get married. My husband didn't believe me that our outdoor wedding in June would be as hot and humid as we have here in South Georgia. He picked a solid black suit, silk shirt, and tie. For an outdoor, afternoon ceremony. Needless to say he had to ditch the suit jacket. I admit, I thought it was funny to watch him sweat buckets because he didn't believe me about how hot and humid Oklahoma is, but I did push the water all through the reception so he didn't have a heat illness. ;-)

I ran outdoors every single day at lunch in Atlanta when I lived there. Yes, high humidity and in temps that were sometimes over 100 degrees. I never thought I'd be able to do it (I'm a Northener, born and bred. I thought 50 degrees was uncomfortable running weather as it was too danged hot before moving South).


Two tips: Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more.That water bottle should be a permanent appendage to your arm. You need to be drinking water all day long, every day. Your friends and coworkers should have a running joke about how often you need to tinkle.

And, invest in some good quality, sweat -wicking workout wear. It makes a world of difference! You will be so much more comfortable that it's indescribable. I've had boyfriends make fun of my absolute insistence on good quality workout wear that will wick sweat, until I buy them some and they try it. LOL Then they can't believe they waited so long!

You get used to whatever you workout in after awhile. The southerners couldn't believe I ran in sub-freezing weather, while i iniitally couldn't believe they ran in 90+ degree weather. But your body adapts very quickly to ANY temp if you just keep at it. After 5 years in ATL, now I think it's unbelievably bitter cold when it's 32 degrees--what I USED to call 'ideal running weather'! After awhile, my biggest complaint about running in hot weather was that my tan lines were all messed up by my running tops. Ha!

ETA: Tonya makes an EXCELLENT point about electrolytes. You are going to need them in very hot and/or humid weather. And about recognizing the signs of heatstroke, so you know when you really should just quit and cool yourself off.

We're having some sunny and warm days here in the U.K. at the moment, and I'm walking at a slower pace on my dog walks than usual :grumble:

But on the plus side I've started doing 20-25 mins on elliptical in the mornings :drinker:

That's really important actually, if you are walking with your dog! Your dog doesn't sweat, so dogs have a very hard time dealing with high (or even unseasonal) heat. The dog can only pant to cool himself. Most dogs are so excited to be doing something with you that they'll go longer than is safe for them in heat. Watch for any signs that the dog is tiring--could be slowing down or dragging his feet a little bit.

***If you have Netflix and can stream videos, there are lots of workout videos on there, too. If you can't stream, you can put them in your dvde queue. Sadly, Leslie's dvds on Netflix are by mail only. Good luck!

This is a really good suggestion as well! Netflix only costs about $10 a month, definitely less than a gym pass!