4 Common Summer Workout Myths Busted

Find out about some common summer workout myths and the truth about them.

Summer Workout myths: Here are some myths, related to summer workout, busted.

(Photo: iStockphoto)

With the scorching heat outside and air conditioners on inside, we know that summers are here. Summers mean that one needs to pull up their socks and get their gym gear ready because it is time to get the ‘summer body’ back.

4 Summer Workout Myths Busted

But there are many myths associated with working out in summers. So here we bust some common summer workout myths.

Myth 1: More The Sweat, Better The Workout

Sweating is not a necessary factor to determine a good workout. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Sweating is not necessarily a sign for a good workout. One can sweat due to various factors other than working out. These may include genetic factors, humidity or heat.

Holistic Fitness Expert, Vesna Jacob, explains:

Sweating is the body’s way to detoxify itself. A lot of sweating can also mean that the body is dehydrating. This can lead to dizziness, cramping and nausea. So, it is important to keep hydrating the body during workout.

Vesna Jacob

Sweating is common during summers. It is a process by which the body cools down. A normal person can sweat up to two or three litres during hot and humid climates. If you sweat a lot during working out in summers, it might not be because you have worked out a lot.

Instead factors like steady breath, strain on muscles and joints are the best markers to indicate a good session.

Myth 2: Energy Drinks Are a Must For Hydration

Energy drinks contain a lot of sugar and calories. Replace them with water.(Photo: iStockphoto)

No! That’s not true. Although summer workouts usually lead to a lot of sweating and can make you tired, but that does not mean that you need to pick up that bottle of energy drink to regain energy.

Sweating during workout makes you lose electrolytes. To maintain the electrolytical balance of the body, one should be mindful and consume sufficient fluids to replenish the salts of the body which can be done by adding some salt and sugar to water. 

Vesna Jacob

Energy drinks can replenish the carbohydrates and electrolytes that you lose during working out but they contain a lot of calories and sugar. Consuming a lot of calories and sugar can bring you back to square one.

So if you feel thirsty, hydrate yourself with water.

Myth 3: We Burn More Calories in Summers

One tends to lose more calories during winters compared to summers.(Photo: iStockphoto)

This is another myth. Most people think that it is easier to burn more calories during summers, while in fact, one tends to lose more calories during winters.

During winters, we tend to lose more calories because our body has to maintain the correct body temperature. That is the reason we also tend to eat more during winters.

Vesna Jacob

Myth 4: Exercising With Air Conditioner On is Okay

Maintain a moderate temperature of 24 degrees while working out.(Photo: iStockphoto)

This one is debatable. In a country like India with temperatures soaring as high as 50 degrees, working out without an air conditioner can be a task next to impossible. But at the same time, a very cold environment can cause the body to go into a shock while alternating between extreme temperatures.

It is best for the body to workout in a moderate environment. A temperature of 24 degrees is fine to workout in a country like ours. 

Vesna Jacob