Exercising in the great outdoors is the perfect way to de-stress, get a change of scenery and keep in shape. But moving to Thailand can quickly make you re-evaluate that once enjoyable pastime. The sapping humidity can make any workout feel twice as hard as it ever did before. So, here are a few quick tips to make your next workout that bit easier.
Get up early
With average daytime temperatures in Thailand reaching above 30°C, exercising away from the air-conditioned bliss of your local gym can be tough. So, if you’re keen on exercising outdoors try getting up as early as possible when it’s that bit cooler. An early alarm call might hurt at first, but getting out before the sun is baking hot will make those draining workouts a little more bearable.
Hydrate
You may think you’re drinking enough, but the level of humidity in Thailand can cause you to lose a serious amount of fluid during exercise, so it’s essential to keep topping up. Before your next session, find out how much water you need for your workout. Aside from making you feel awful, dehydration can be dangerous so ensure you’re drinking enough to stop it from reaching this stage.
Replace lost nutrients
It’s pretty obvious that when you sweat during exercise, you’re losing water. But you’re also losing essential minerals. And if they’re not replaced, it’s a one-way ticket to feeling completely wiped out. There are lots of potential remedies to replace those lost minerals, including adding a pinch of salt to your water, drinking hydrating coconut water or trying specially formulated electrolyte replacement drinks.
Slow your pace
If you usually push yourself 100% during every workout, it might be worth re-evaluating things. There’s no shame in slowing things down a bit — after all, you’re asking your body to work just as hard in far more physically demanding circumstances. Learning to take your foot off the gas is an important lesson if you want to get the best out of your workout and come back strong for your next session.