1. Get acclimated. Don’t shock your body by trying to do too much too soon when the temperature’s hot—your body needs time to adjust to the heat. Start out with a certain distance and pace, and increase as you go.
  2. Plan your workouts. Plan your walks for early morning or evening and not during peak sunshine hours when temperatures are the hottest. 
  3. Stay cool in your clothes. Wear light moisture-wicking clothes—and not cotton—so your clothes repel moisture and don’t stick to you. Moisture-wicking socks also prevent blisters. Be sure your clothing and hat are light colors and not black.  MORE: Keep Pets Safe All Summer  
  4. Up your intake of water. If you’re walking, you need more than the standard eight ounces of water eight times a day. Take a reusable water bottle with you on your walk. 
  5. Protect your skin. Wear a high SPF sunscreen and don’t forget the back of your neck, the tip of your ears, and your hands. It’s always a good idea to wear a hat to protect your scalp from the sun too. Also, look for a route that offers both sunlight and shade.
  6. Go for the calorie burn, not the sunburn. Instead of spending too much time in the sun and running the risk of overexertion, maximize your walks by using the full range of your arm swing.  Walk off two sizes in six weeks with our FREE walking plan!