Choosing to play sports in summer may seem, for some, a decision a bit 'risky: the heat is so much - this year, then, it seems that the season is expressing itself to its maximum - the sunlight is strong, fatigue is felt even just by sitting on a chair ... how do you think you do physical activity?
In fact, the summer season allows us to devote ourselves to disciplines that perhaps, normally, we would pass in the background: it allows us, that is, to get out of swimming pools and gyms to spend a few hours outdoors, perhaps just in the destination that we have chosen for our holidays.
After all, what could be better than a walk by the sea or a bike ride through the hills?
Here, then, are a few tips for summer sports!
Summer sports: which ones to choose?
As mentioned above, summer allows us to devote ourselves to activities that we normally do not consider or, on the other hand, allows us to devote ourselves to our favorite activities, but in different contexts.
Which disciplines are the best?
First of all, running. By the sea, in the middle of the mountains, on the hills, in deserted cities, among the beauties of an unknown village: just put on comfortable shoes and the right clothes for the temperatures! At almost zero cost you will train, have fun and discover hidden beauties.
Then, cycling and trekking. On a two-wheeler or on foot, more slowly and carefully, you can get anywhere. Trekking, then, if done in mountain areas, perhaps in the middle of streams and lakes, also becomes a therapy for the mind, a moment of relaxation that brings back the harmony between body and psyche.
As far as beach sports are concerned, there are swimming - which at the sea becomes something different from the classic 25 m in the city - snowshoeing (paying attention to the neighbour on the deckchair), beach volleyball, beach soccer and water aerobics, which - especially on equipped beaches - is organized in a fun and suitable way for everyone. For all these disciplines, especially those that take place on the sand, however, the rule of absolute attention applies: feet, ankles, knees, shoulders ... every joint can suffer from a terrain not exactly ideal. Better to avoid jumps and shots, just train while having fun and without exceeding too much!
Finally, the sports of true lovers of adventure, that is windsurfing and canoeing!
Complex disciplines, which also require a bit of preparation and knowledge of the tools to be used, are very fun, both alone and in company, both at sea and at the lake in the mountains. All you have to do is start out equipped and have a bit of patience: you know, for both these activities part of the game is also in falling and trying again!
Sport in summer: tips
If you feel that summer is too hot for physical activity, just follow a few small tips: you will avoid getting sick and you can only think about relaxing.
If you intend to train in the period from June to September, you should always keep in mind that it is better to avoid the middle hours of the day: it seems an indication on the news, but it is absolutely essential to choose the moments of the day when the sun is less high and less violent.
The morning is perfect, but even the late afternoon can be a good choice, especially because the downhill sun goes well with a moment of "discharge" both physical and mental. The sunset light will help you to relax and train with more peace of mind.
The risk is the dreaded heat stroke, which manifests itself with symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, dizziness, wheezing, headaches and even fever. In short, a really bad customer can be avoided with a little wisdom in choosing the time.
Then, the diet: it is right to eat everything (carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins ...), but always choosing light foods and easy to digest. This means salads, fresh cheeses, white meats, cakes (rice and corn are among the best), brown rice, vegetables and spelt. The consumption of sugar should also be reduced, to avoid annoying changes in blood sugar levels during the day.
This does not mean that you will never be able to enjoy a more substantial meal (or even a nice ice cream), but only that - to avoid feeling too heavy and slowed down - in the days of exercise it will be better to keep a little longer, opting for a more minimal breakfast and lunch.
Finally, hydration, a concept never sufficiently underlined!
Drinking water is very important: you should consume at least two litres of it every day, adding small sips even during physical activity (every 15/20 minutes). In summer, sweating is strong and the body immediately needs to replenish all the lost minerals.
In particularly complex situations, with sultry heat and prolonged physical activity, it may be useful to consume supplements, which allow you to recover your strength a little 'faster.
In summary...
Sporting in summer is not impossible: it is, on the contrary, fun and relaxing, perfect both in the city (to enjoy the streets emptied at least for a while) and in holiday resorts (to go and discover hidden corners and start seeing each destination with different eyes).
Just choose the discipline that suits us best, opting for a familiar and reassuring option or for an activity that we do not normally do and that also determines a factor of discovery and challenge with ourselves, and remember not to exaggerate.
Light nutrition, suitable clothing, intelligent timetabling and - perhaps - a bit of company, just to make everything even better: in case of discomfort or slight discomfort, better to stop everything and resume at another time.
Summer is made for relaxation and not for competition: sport in summer can help us to recharge and return home even happier!