USciences’ Patrick Davitt Shares how to Stay Safe while Exercising in the Heat

Patrick Davitt PhD, CSCS, FACSM, director of USciences health sciences program, was quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer  in an article about how to safely exercise outside in the heat, especially while wearing a mask. 

While exercise is important for both physical and mental health, experts caution that exercising in the summer heat is something that everyone should take seriously. 

“We get rid of heat through the evaporation of sweat, and so if it’s really hot outside, that process is slower and your body has to work harder” Dr. Davitt explains. 

Dr. Davitt emphasizes that proper hydration is key to keeping yourself safe. “If you weigh 180 pounds right before [working out], and you’re 175 after, you just lost five pounds of water weight” Dr. Davitt continues “Every pound if 16 ounces of water, and ideally you want to replace that within the next few hours.”

In addition to water, it is important to fuel your body with electrolytes when exercising for an hour or more. Dr. Davitt recommends low-sugar electrolyte options that can be added to your water. 

Finally, if the heat outside is too much to handle, there are plenty of ways to get creative for indoor exercising including DIY equipment and taking advantage of free exercise classes on YouTube.

Dr. Davitt offers suggestions for those who don’t have exercise equipment at home. “If you don’t own weights, a gallon of water weighs 8 pounds. Or you can get a 40-pound sandbag at Home Depot for $5- one of the greatest and cheapest workout tools”

Dr. Davitt has previously been quoted by The Philadelphia Inquirer about the basics of exercising outdoors with a mask.

Categories: News, Samson College of Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology, Health Science, Faculty, Expert's Blog