It is important to stay active all year round, but you should do it safely to avoid injury. If you aren’t careful during your summer day workouts, you may end up dehydrated or suffer from heat stroke. Here are 6 tips to help you exercise safely this summer.

Exercise in the Morning

The afternoon is the hottest part of the day. While this may be an OK time to exercise in the fall and winter, it’s not a good idea in the summer. Early morning is cooler and a good time to exercise before the sun bakes the sidewalk – and your skin. If it isn’t possible to exercise in the morning, try in the evening after sunset.

30-Minute Stints

Many fitness experts are starting to believe that being active throughout the day is better for you than exercising 60 minutes every day. Try exercising for 30 minutes and then focus on activities that keep you moving the rest of the day. Reducing exertion is better for you in the summer anyway and will help achieve an active lifestyle.

Vary Your Routine

Varying your routine will increase weight loss and prevent muscle memory. When your body becomes accustomed to a specific exercise, you will need more repetitions or weight to see results. If you mix up your exercise routine, you can prevent your body from adapting and can adjust your workouts to avoid strenuous activity on days where the heat index is dangerously high.

Buy Resistance Tubing

You can make simple workouts more effective if you buy resistance tubing. Many Pilates exercises use resistance bands to help with strengthening and conditioning. It is an inexpensive piece of exercise equipment that will add flexibility to your workout routine and the location of your workouts. When it’s too hot to exercise outside, perform the same exercises inside, where you have fans or air conditioning to keep you cool.

Keep Hydrated

It is always important to stay hydrated and to drink water after a workout. When the weather is warmer, this caveat is especially important. Bring plenty of water with you when you exercise and drink it when you are done. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, make sure you drink plenty of fluids after exercising.

Listen to Your Body

Exercise is supposed to improve your overall health, not put it at risk. Pay attention to the warning signs that you may need to stop your workout for the day. If you are dizzy, light headed, or feeling weak, don’t push for those last few reps. Stop immediately, drink fluids, and rest for a bit. A cool cloth or shower can help as well.

There are many fun activities that you can enjoy during the summer to keep you moving and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. If you are going to work out this summer, make sure to heed these six tips so that you can enjoy the warm weather before it is gone for another several months.