Two weeks ago, Ohio University junior Sarah Ganson decided to go for a jog on the bike path in the late afternoon. Having forgotten her water, she started to feel dizzy and stopped running.
I couldn't believe I couldn't run home
Ganson said. I had no energy.
Ganson experienced, like many others, what happens when exercising outdoors without taking proper precautions.
There certainly is a direct correlation between exercising outdoors and not only the temperature but (also) the humidity said Andrew Krause, an athletic trainer and assistant professor of athletic training at OU.
As the heat index increases, the heat and humidity can lead to dehydration and electrolyte loss, causing a decrease in performance and endurance, Krause said. A loss as small as two to three percent of body weight can affect a person's performance, he said.
Heat causes exertional heat illness that has four levels of symptoms: fainting, muscle cramping, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Krause said. He added that heat stroke is the most dangerous, with a potentially fatal outcome if not treated.
Every 10 to 20 minutes you should have seven to 10 ounces of fluid
like water or a sports drink
when exercising outdoors
Krause said.
Because the summer heat can take its toll, some do not like to exercise outdoors in the summer at all.
I would love to go outside
but it is too hot and muggy
senior Dana Benders said. Ping is nice and quiet and I can go in the middle of the day.
However, some still enjoy the outdoors.
If I work out indoors
I feel that I am not taking advantage of the nice weather. You'll regret it when it's winter
junior Steve Zeisler said.
Personal preferences aside, there are some advantages to exercising either inside or outside.
You can't do any type of resistance or weight training outside
said Zack Edelsberg, a Well Works Fitness Center coordinator and personal trainer. When you're indoors
