Working out in the summertime is more challenging than ever because there’s one major obstacle that makes it unbearable – heat. It has the power to slow you down and make your training extremely uncomfortable, but that’s not the rule. Several studies have shown short-term heat training can be beneficial, as long as you prepare your body for what’s coming.
Improved athletic performance
Training in the heat can be pretty effective, as long as you’re careful and don’t go overboard. Limit your workouts to a sensible amount of time and don’t do it every day. Give your body time to develop tolerance by working out for a short while, until you’re ready for more.
Numerous health benefits
Heat training can increase athlete’s plasma volume and decrease heart rate, leading to a better cardiovascular fitness. Increase in plasma volume helps your body cool down faster, reducing overall core temperature at the same time. Working out in the heat can also increase skeletal muscle force.
Better heat regulation
As mentioned before, heat training can lead to lower core temperature at the onset of sweating. Athletes who train in a warmer climate are better in regulating heat because they start sweating earlier and usually develop a colder resting body temperature.
