Are you looking to stay fit this summer? Before you hit the pavement or head to the gym, check out this guide to working out smarter, not harder.
As we transition into those blistering Texas summer months, our workout routines must adapt. Unfortunately, around 125 million Americans quickly lose interest in their summer fitness goals before the season is even halfway over.
Whatever your goals happen to be, we can help you achieve them right here in Plano. However, exercising in the brutal heat requires some caution. Here are our top tips for a smart summer fitness plan!
1. Prioritize Safety During Texas Summers
Keeping exercise safety front of mind during summer workouts is essential. Exercising in hot weather poses serious health risks if you don’t take the proper precautions. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are some of the most serious risks when exercising in the heat
Listening to your body and understanding how you feel during certain workouts is key. If you feel dizzy, overly exhausted or just simply off, know that it is better safe than sorry. Take a moment to breathe, drink some water (with electrolytes!) and reanalyze how you feel. Nobody knows your body like you do – listen to it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or stroke include:
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure when standing
- Headache
2. Keep Them Short, Sweet, and to the Point
High intensity internal training (HIIT) is the perfect workout to burn calories and build strength when you’re short on time. HIIT workouts can be as short as 10 minutes and usually max out around 30 minutes due to the nature of the workout. These workouts can be done with little to no equipment, in a group fitness setting and anywhere outdoors (think: driveway, field, etc.).
Our amazing group fitness instructors and personal trainers at Cowboys Fit can lead you through a HIIT workout in classes like Pick Six, 4 Quarters, Red Zone or a personalized training session!
3. Find the Right Time to Beat the Heat
Summer typically means vacations, later nights and more social activities. Because of this, it’s important to find a workout routine that makes consistency easy. If you know you like happy hours with friends in the evenings, try scheduling a lunchtime workout. If you prefer outdoor workouts, waking up early and getting your workout in during the coolest time of day is most ideal for safety reasons.
We offer group fitness classes at all locations throughout the day to meet your time preferences. Try early morning Pick Six with Juliet or midday BOGA Flow with Deana!
4. Stay Hydrated Before and After Your Routine
The Mayo Clinic suggests that the average male should drink 124oz. of water, and the average woman should drink 92oz. of water per day. Of course this is just a rough estimate; water intake depends on weight, activity, and climate. If you’re unsure of your exact calculation, use a hydration calculator. Find out how much water you need to drink here.
In the average one-hour workout, your body can lose between 16-64 ounces of fluid. Hydration is important before, during and after workouts. Sodium loss is also something to keep in mind. Sports dietician, Kelly Pritchett, says that while it is important to drink water when working out- drinking electrolytes is a much better alternative to combat sodium loss to make the most out of each workout. Luckily, Cowboys Fit members can stop by the Fuel Zone to replenish their electrolytes after a satisfying workout.
5. Start Training Like a Pro at Cowboys Fit Plano
Now, let’s put it into action! Visit us in at The Star in Frisco, West Plano, Downtown Dallas, Pflugerville and (coming soon!) East Dallas. We can help you train like one of us this summer.
Don’t Skip Your Cool Down (And Recovery)
Working out during the summer takes a heavier toll on your body. You need to focus on recovery just as much as your actual workout. Instead of just stretching for two minutes and rushing home into the heat, take advantage of modern recovery tools. At Cowboys Fit Plano, our Recovery Lounge features HydroMassage and NormaTec gear. These tools help your muscles bounce back faster so you feel fresh for your next session.
Bring the Kids While School is Out
Summer means the kids are home, which usually makes sticking to a gym schedule ten times harder. Don’t let childcare be the reason you skip your workout. You need a facility that works for your whole family. Our Rowdy Room childcare at the Plano location keeps the little ones entertained and safe so you can focus entirely on your training without the mom or dad guilt.
Ready to Crush Your Summer Goals?
Summer in Texas is brutal, but your fitness routine doesn’t have to suffer. By tweaking your schedule, staying hydrated, and moving your toughest workouts indoors, you can keep making progress all season long. Stop letting the heat dictate your health. Come experience the ultimate indoor training environment. Grab your free guest pass to Cowboys Fit Plano today, hit our indoor turf, and finish your session in our premium recovery lounge. Let’s get to work!
Work out 30 days free at Cowboys Fit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.Is it safe to work out outside in Plano during the summer?
It is only safe if you exercise early in the morning before the sun peaks. When Texas temperatures hit triple digits, it is much safer to move your cardio and strength training into a climate-controlled indoor gym to avoid heat exhaustion.
Q. What is the best time of day to exercise in Texas during the summer?
If you run outdoors, aim for before 8 AM. If you train indoors at a facility like Cowboys Fit, any time works! Many locals prefer lunchtime workouts to break up their workday and escape the midday heat.
Q. Does Cowboys Fit Plano have an indoor area for athletic training?
Yes! If you want to do sprints, sled pushes, or functional athletic training without burning up on an outdoor high school track, our Plano location features a massive indoor sports turf.
*Valid for first-time, local residents 23 years or older. Claim your guest pass at https://cowboysfit.com/guest-pass/