The country has experienced extreme summer weather over the last few weeks. From Arizona to Pennsylvania, where hundreds of boyscouts fell ill just sitting in the heat, to the Northeast, where humidity levels were oppressive, the heat and humidity has mimicked temperatures in the 100-110 range. And yet, last week, on the hottest and most humid day I have experienced in my life, a middle age average man was jogging up a hill near my home at noontime! What an idiot, I thought! I held my tongue- for once- and pondered why this man would even attempt such a ridiculous feat. Suddenly I had it – EGO! MALE EGO! This man obviously thought, “I’m in such good shape- that unlike everyone else- I can and will exercise in the heat. Who cares that weathermen all over the country are warning us to stay out of the dangerous heat at all costs- I’m special”. No one is that special- even the most elite athletes take time off during this dangerously hot weather. From football players to weekend joggers, each year, men (and kids and women) die from dehydration and subsequent heat stroke as they try and exercise in the heat. One workout is not worth the risk! Even in air conditioned gyms, the cumulative effect of multiple days of high heat and humidity can take it’s toll on your workouts, making you feel dizzy, out of breath and nauseous. Do not take these symptoms lightly. Heat illnesses can progress rapidly and become very serious . Even short bouts of dizziness are signs that something is wrong- putting you at risk for falling at the least, and death at the worst. SO- let your ego go! Never exercise in high heat and humidity- no matter what your fitness level.
