Q: It’s blazing hot out, and I’m sweating before I even start my workout. Do I really need to warm up in the summer?
A: Yes, you still need to warm up, even in the summer. It might feel like your body’s already “warmed up” just from being outside, but heat and proper muscle readiness aren’t the same thing. The goal of a warm-up isn’t just to break a sweat. It’s to gradually prepare your muscles, joints, heart, and lungs for more intense activity.
When it’s hot outside, skipping the warm-up can actually be a riskier move. Your body may feel loose, but your muscles still need that gradual buildup of blood flow and movement to reduce your risk of strains, sprains, or worse. A good warm-up also gives you a moment to check in with your body and stay alert to signs of dehydration or heat exhaustion…which are bigger concerns this time of year.
Start with a few minutes of light movement like walking, arm circles, or bodyweight squats. You can also incorporate dynamic stretching, and if comfortable, static stretching to your routine. Choose shaded areas when you can, and ease into higher intensity slowly. And don’t forget: a warm-up is also a good time to make sure you’re hydrated and not pushing through any dizziness or nausea—those are warning signs, not something to power through.
Summer workouts can be great, but they demand a little more mindfulness. Think of your warm-up as a way to safely bridge the gap between lounging in the AC and hitting your full stride.
CSMO’s Urgent + Ortho Walk-In Clincs are available at our Chattanooga, Cleveland and North Georgia locations Monday through Friday from 8 am – 4 pm. The Gunbarrel office is open Saturdays from 8 am – 12 noon. No appointment needed!
L. Shay Richardson, MD
Sports Medicine & Interventional Musculoskeletal Medicine Specialist
Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
