Weather-wise, these few weeks in between fall and summer are some of the most confusing of the year. When you wake up in the morning for work or for school, it might be chilly, causing you to wear pants and a jacket or two. Then, almost miraculously, when you emerge for lunch a little after noon, the sun is so strong that even a short walk causes you to sweat.
But the weather affects more than just your daily wardrobe decisions. It also changes how your body cools itself down, uses fluids, and consumes energy. Let’s take a look at 4 weather factors that make the most difference when you workout:
- Temperature: When the temperature is higher, your body must use more energy to cool you down. It will also cause you to use your fluid reserve more rapidly. In low temperatures, your body prefers to use fat as its energy source.
- Humidity: When the air is saturated with moisture, it is not as easy for sweat to evaporate from your skin and cool you off. Dehydration can set in rapidly in high humidity since your body must work harder to cool down.
- Precipitation: Sometimes, a light rain can help cool you off on a warm day and make your workout more enjoyable. But if you are exposed to a cold, soaking rain for a long period of time, this negatively affects your core body temperature.
- Wind: Wind helps to wick sweat off the surface of your skin, enhancing the cooling effect. In addition, a steady tail wind can give you a nice boost in speed on your run!
When you are planning your next workout, check the weather for the day to see if there is a time that has low temperatures, low humidity, and a slight breeze. If you are dehydrated or fatigued, you may be more prone to ankle sprains or Achilles tendinitis from improper form. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico of Syracuse Podiatry in Fayetteville, NY can treat a wide variety of sports injuries, like plantar fasciitis or sesamoiditis, that you might sustain while working out. Call us at (315) 446-3668 or contact us with questions or appointment requests!