Do you burn more calories when you work out in a heatwave and is it safe to exercise in hot weather?
WORKING out during the height of a heatwave is one way to send your heart rate soaring.
But does it really burn more calories or is it a one-way street to becoming a sweaty wreck? Here's everything you need to know about working out in this extreme heat...
Is it safe to exercise in hot weather?
Generally speaking, yes it is totally safe to exercise in hot weather.
In fact, it might even help you get a better night's sleep while the rest of us are tossing and turning from the sticky temperatures.
Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your session and try to time the workout either at the start or end of the day when the temperatures have dropped.
Having said this, the heatwave makes it all the more important to listen to your body when it's telling you to stop.
While your inner hardcore gym bunny may be wanting to power through, exercising in intense temperatures has more of a strain on your body than a normal moderate climate.
If you start feeling dizzy, faint, nauseous, or find your heartbeat rapidly increasing, it's time to stop.
All of these are symptoms of heat stroke which can be deadly, after all.
"Thus your heart works harder in hotter temperatures than it would in cooler temperatures, providing an increased calorie and fat burn"
But while working out in a heatwave does in fact burn more calories, chances are the heat will also cut your gym session short.
Ideally, moderately warm is the best temperature for burning calories because your body is working hard to keep you cool while the weather itself means you can exercise for longer.
What is the best form of exercise during the heatwave?
Although boxing has been revealed as the best calorie-burning exercise around, it's more efficient to opt for an outdoor sport during a period of intense weather.
After all, in normal conditions rowing is said to burn 740 calories per hour while running outside is close behind with 700.
Just imagine how calorie-busting they must be in the heat... although you'll more likely find us soaking off the sweat in the swimming pool which burns a cool 680 every hour.