The heat has arrived all across Big Sky country, with temps nearing or reaching triple digits in many places. If you’re exercising or recreating outside, here are some tips to stay cool and safe.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Carry a water bottle and keep it filled throughout the day. A hydrated body can deal much better with heat, while a dehydrated body is more likely to suffer cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Have water on hand during and after your outing as well.
- Take it easy. Your body makes physiological changes to adapt to heat, but it usually takes a couple of weeks, so cut back your exercise duration and/or intensity if necessary until your body can fully acclimate.
- From dawn
toand dusk. With summer solstice coming up, we have around sixteen hours of daylight! Plenty of time to get outside by taking advantage of the relative coolness of the early morning or evening hours. - It’s OK to be a bit shady. If you’re a runner or hiker, hit your favorite trail that features lots of trees and shade.
- Speaking of trails, they get a bonus point because they don’t reflect heat like concrete or asphalt. So stick to soft, natural surfaces. Your legs will thank you as well.
- Finally: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Check, check, check.
Play Outside and Have Fun! (Safely!)
Neal
Montana Moves 