WORK OUT WELL THIS SUMMER!

Knowing the risks will help you stay fit and healthy

With summer underway, many of us are keen to get active and enjoy the great outdoors.

However those scorching Aussie temperatures can often cause problems for our bodies - dehydration being the most common risk, says Sam Waller, fitness expert and owner of Stepz Fitness.

But there are also more severe risks, including heat exhaustion. If left untreated, it can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.

"Luckily, you can manage the risk by adapting workout intensity and ensuring you're adequately hydrated."

Here, Sam shares how to exercise safely in hot weather.

AM I AT RISK?

No matter your age or fitness level, anyone can get heat exhaustion. Different factors can however increase your sensitivity to heat, including something as simple as age.

Infants and children younger than four are at higher risk of heat exhaustion, as well as adults over 65. For those in the older age bracket, we suggest exercising early in the morning or later at night.

In the hotter months, training indoors with supervision from a qualified personal trainer is ideal. If being outdoors is the only option, I would say find a friend so you can look out for each other on the hotter days.

Age is not the only factor that can increase heat-related complications. Other factors include being in poor physical shape, having an infection, consumption of alcohol before exercise and sensitivity to heat.