Summer Fitness Tips for Brighton: Staying Active During the Heat

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With summer 2024 shaping up to be one of the wettest and most unpredictable in recent memory, staying active can be a bit of a challenge. This summer has brought a mix of high humidity, frequent rain, and occasional heatwaves to all of our locations, including here in Brighton.

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With the right strategies, you can maintain your fitness routine while staying safe and comfortable.

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Here are some tailored tips to help you stay hydrated, choose the best times to exercise, and select workouts suited for this summer's unique weather conditions.

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Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is crucial, especially with the high humidity we've been experiencing, because it’s easy to feel hydrated when the air is so humid, even if you’re actually dehydrated.

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Drink Plenty of Water: Start hydrating well before your workout. Aim to drink at least 500ml of water two hours before exercising and continue sipping water throughout your session. With the average humidity in Brighton hitting around 80% in July, it's essential to keep your hydration levels up.

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Electrolyte-Rich Drinks: Consider sports drinks that replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. These can help maintain your energy levels and prevent dehydration.

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Monitor Your Hydration Levels: Pay attention to signs of dehydration such as dizziness, excessive sweating, or dark urine. Keep a water bottle handy and take regular breaks to hydrate.

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Optimal Timing for Workouts

Choosing the right time of day to exercise can make a significant difference:

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Early Morning Workouts: Exercising early in the morning, before the temperature peaks, is ideal. This not only helps you avoid the heat but also energizes you for the day ahead. With sunrise as early as just before 5AM in Brighton, you have plenty of daylight hours to get your workout in before it gets too warm.

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Evening Sessions: If mornings aren't feasible, late evening workouts can be another option. The temperature tends to drop, making it more comfortable for physical activity. Sunset in Brighton is still happening after 8:30 PM, providing ample time for a cooler evening session.

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Indoor Alternatives: On exceptionally hot or rainy days, consider indoor workouts in a well-ventilated or air-conditioned environment. Underground Gym offers a variety of indoor classes that can keep you active without exposing you to extreme conditions.

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Best Workouts for Hot Weather

Certain types of workouts are better suited for hot and humid weather:

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Hyrox Training: This combines functional movements with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). It’s effective and can be adapted for indoor settings, making it a great option at our Brighton, Newhaven, and Tunbridge Wells locations.
Spin Classes: Indoor cycling classes provide a high-intensity workout in a controlled environment. Spin classes at Underground Gym are perfect for maintaining cardiovascular health without the heat.
Yoga and Pilates: These low-impact exercises focus on strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. They can be performed indoors, offering a cooler alternative to outdoor activities.
Functional Fit: A dynamic workout involving various functional movements that improve strength and agility.

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Held in our well-ventilated spaces, these classes are suitable for summer fitness.

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Additional Tips for Exercising in Heat

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep your body cool and dry.
Use Sun cream: If you’re exercising outdoors, protect your skin with a high SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Take It Easy: Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Heat and humidity can increase the strain on your body, so it's essential to pace yourself and take breaks as needed.

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Staying active during the unpredictable summer weather of 2024 is entirely possible with the right precautions and workout choices. By staying hydrated, choosing optimal workout times, and selecting appropriate exercises, you can maintain your fitness routine safely and effectively.

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Join us at Underground Gym for a variety of classes that cater to your summer fitness needs, ensuring you stay on track with your health goals all year round.

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For more tips and class schedules, check out our class schedules.