As everyone knows, exercising is one of the most beneficial ways to stay healthy. And, students are heading into time off from school to do just that. But, what factors and conditions are the best for exercise?
Today’s article explores many tips, tricks, and safety features for exercising. Tune in to learn more about enhancing one’s existing routine–or maybe whether to start exercising daily this summer.
“Weather” to Exercise
One may ask, “What is the most effective weather to exercise in?” The answer is that it all comes down to the type of exercise the person will be doing, and the weather that comes with it. If one is doing a cardio workout–such as a walk, jog, or run–many experts recommend doing so in moderately low temperatures, somewhere between 45 and 65 degrees, where it’s warm enough to call the weather “nice” but also cool enough for the body to regulate quickly. Yet, it’s not so cold or so hot that the body is thrown into shock or a heat stroke. When the human body is in warm and balanced weather, it does not have to work as hard to cool itself down, making this an ideal exercise.
Emmalyn Staufenbeil, a current Sophomore and athlete at Elkhart High School, understands this. Her ideal temperature would be “50 to 60 degrees” with the “perfect” season being “spring” or “fall.” However, heading into summer makes that seasonal aspect an impossibility at the moment. Thus, rather than relying on the seasons, she now needs to consider the time of day in which to exercise–with mornings and evenings being cooler than at high noon.
In higher temperatures of 70-90 degrees, it is extremely important to beware of many conditions that could arise, such as respiratory problems. Due to the humid and hot air–which can create inflammation in the airways–doctors advise avoiding heavy or taxing exercises outdoors. Temperatures of 95 and above, with a humidity above 80%, can lead to overheating or even heat strokes. Despite the temperatures, it is vital to make sure to stay hydrated with lots of water–or even a drink high in electrolytes.
Likewise, it is essential to ease into any exercising. Starting with a warm-up inside for 15-20 minutes is advised to get one’s lungs working–especially in colder temperatures–before heading outside. But, as great as the scenery is outdoors, sometimes it’s just better to opt for an inside workout. Indoors, ideal temperatures for gyms and homes is between 68-72 degrees, according to American College of Sports and Medicine, to maintain a good performance and comfort level. Staufenbeil finds it easier to control her workout conditions indoors. “As much as I love exercise and to be outdoors, I would rather do an indoor workout,” she confesses. “It’s less likely I’ll find bugs inside, and cooling seems faster.”
In terms of pay-off, exercise has many year-round benefits for a person’s health and well being. It is even considered a natural remedy for depression and one’s suffering. Moreover, exercising has proven to boost one’s immunity, improve sleep, reverse cognitive decline, and help one live longer with fewer risks to serious health issues. “It is not only beneficial to my body, but also to my mind,” Staufenbeil insists. When in a state of stress, Staufenbeil explains that exercise helps her mentally, especially when something is “weighing on her mind.”
A nice introduction to exercise doesn’t necessarily need to be a dramatic one. Begin with a light walk lasting 10-15 minutes. That’s a nice starting point and one that a person is more likely to continue on a daily basis. Exercise is all about body movement in order to activate the “happy hormones.” Thus, whether it is doing chores around the house or intentionally exercising, the brain releases three different hormones: endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
What is the purpose of each hormone? How does each help or contribute towards exercise? Endorphins are known as one out of the two other “feel good” neurotransmitters. During physical activity, the brain chemicals called beta-endorphin increases the feeling of happiness while reducing feelings of pain. It is also known as the “runner’s high.”
Dopamine is also a “feel good” hormone that improves one’s mood when doing an activity he or she enjoys. Additionally, the dopamine hormone is what keeps a person addicted to doing whatever the activity is and keeps him or her coming (running) back for more. It is known as the motivation, desire, and learning hormone, after all.
The last hormone to be released is serotonin. Serotonin is just like the others, in a way, when producing an improved mood, but it also improves concentration and cognition, which are essential for any and almost everything–especially in sports or exercise.
Thus, no matter how hot the summer gets, there will be a time and place suitable for exercising that will create sunshine in one’s life. It’s no longer about the “weather”; it’s”whether” one will do it!
