Get Sweat: How to Optimize Your Workout for Texas Weather

Caption: No matter which form of fitness you prefer, it’s important to prepare yourself for exercising outdoors in the Lone Star State. 

‘Tis always the season for Texas weather. Whether you’re up in the panhandle battling snow or down south facing fierce heatwaves, heading out into the elements for a workout can be challenging. However, you don’t have to give up on exercise because of the climate. Read on to learn how you can prepare for extreme conditions all year long and achieve maximum fitness success no matter the weather. 

Slather On the Sunscreen

Your skin is your biggest organ, and it deserves some love. However, the sun has a little too much love to give. While it may infuse you with a nice bronze glow, rays of gorgeous sunshine carry dangerous ultraviolet light. These UV rays can cause an array of skin problems like premature aging, discoloration, burns, and even cancer. 

So, how can you protect yourself? When you head outdoors to exercise, make sure you’re gearing up the right way with full-coverage sunscreen every time. UV rays are just as harmful during cold weather as hot weather, so sunscreen is equally important in the wintertime. 

For best results, use a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 50. Apply it to all exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before you head outdoors. You’ll likely sweat it off before your workout is over, so reapply every hour for adequate protection. 

Gear Up with Glasses or Goggles

Caption: Wear the proper eyewear to protect yourself against strong Texas elements. 

The sun isn’t just harmful to your skin, it’s also bad for your eyes, with long-term exposure to UV radiation causing conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancer. Excessive heat, wind, and snow can also irritate your eyes, while bright sunlight can cause dangerous glares that affect your vision. 

To stay safe during your workout, be sure to choose the proper protective eyewear for outdoor exercise. UV sunglasses or snow goggles could be necessary depending on the conditions in your area, and it’s imperative to use this gear correctly when it’s required. 

If you usually wear glasses, consider switching them out for contact lenses during extreme-weather workouts. Contacts will allow you to keep your peripheral vision as you move your body and eliminate lens fog from shifting temperatures. 

It’s easy to put on protective eyewear over contacts, and you won’t have to worry about your regular prescription frames getting in the way. You can even save money by using contact lenses, because you won’t need to pay for prescription versions of your special goggles or glasses.

Overall, choosing contacts for your workouts can be easier and safer than wearing glasses. However, some people are put off by the prospect of heading in the doctor’s office every time they need a lens refill. Luckily, you have other options. Once you know which lenses you need, you can actually buy contacts without prescription verification from your optometrist through online retailers. This will allow you to get regular contact lens refills with less hassle, so you can put more energy into working up a sweat.

Time it Right for Maximum Success

Timing is everything with a fitness routine, and that goes for double when the weather gets dicey. Summertime fitness fanatics should exercise earlier in the morning or in the evening when the sun doesn’t hit so hard. Those working out in wintertime should wait until the day heats up a bit to avoid stiff joints and other cold-weather issues. 

Timing your workouts right can help you stay on track all year long without getting overheated or frozen solid. You’ll lessen your risk of sunburn, frostbite, and dehydration by limiting exposure to the elements and regulating your temperature. Of course, sometimes the climate doesn’t permit heading outside at all. If conditions aren’t safe, stay indoors and try some at-home fitness apps to retain your gains as you wait for better weather. 

Ready to get your heart rate up? Bad weather doesn’t have to stop you. If you time your workouts correctly and take the necessary precautions, you’ll be prepared for fitness at any time. You can work in your workout more efficiently with these handy tips, so gear up and get ready no matter the season.

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