Experts warn of the dangers of working out in hot, humid weather

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Summer can be a great time to finally get outdoors and running. But with triple digit temperatures and building humidity, this is a time to be very careful during those workouts.

Rising body temperatures can quickly lead to heat stroke.

"If you start to feel a pounding in your temple, if you feel like your vision is impaired, or you have a significant headache, those are all really good signs that you are in distress, and you need to cool things down," Lori Fortwendle, an event director at International Sports Club, said.

Fortwendle said she has seen exercisers change up their routine. She said they are exercising outside for only half the workout, and sticking around the gym to finish it up inside, and cool down.

Experts say your body can cool itself down in 100 degree temperatures, but it's the humidity that can really cause some problems.

"Your body cools itself through evaporation, and when there is that much humidity, the sweat coming off your body can't be absorbed, [and] it can't evaporate," Craig Voll, an athletic trainer said. "You can't cool yourself down, and you dehydrate quicker."

Voll said staying hydrated is key. But he encourages people to switch up the water with sports drinks. He said they replace the salt lost while sweating. Plus, they taste better, and can make you more thirsty, prompting you to drink more water. He recommends for every hour you're in the heat, drink one water bottle.

Fortwendle said she understands how exercise junkies would want to stay outside for the 'runners high', but she recommends an indoor boot camp class to get the same feeling.