What's a good time for fitness

The wonderful l-o-n-g days of summer. There's finally lots of time to fit in fitness. So, what time of day, during all the sunshine, is best suited for your body and its energy level?

Some people move better after the temperature warms up. And then there are folks who lose their energy quickly when the heat hits, and do better with an early morning workout.

Exercise in the heat of the afternoon is not easy. Most exercise types will agree that their metabolism drops around 2 p.m. when any form of physical exercise is agony. Fitness time also depends on whether it is indoor or outdoor sweat. There are students who think an outdoor fitness workout can be attained sitting in the kids' splash pool drinking a glass of ice tea.

If you plan on attending an indoor fitness class, take into consideration the outside temperature and time of day. If you are going to attend a noon exercise session, you will be bringing into class an overheated body and the class will be adjusted to a lower intensity to keep your body core temperature at a safe level. Cool showers following noon workouts will help you to reinsert your body back into the hot afternoon temperature.

An early morning summer class can be a full heavy workout, providing the classroom is airy and cool. Most students switch to morning classes during the summer months if their schedules allow it. Emphasis can be placed more on cardiovascular conditioning, because the body is fairly cool to begin with. But keep in mind a cooler body may not stretch quite as well, so go slower on floor stretches. During late afternoon workout times, the emphasis might be more on floor work, especially toward the end of the program, when the body's core temperature has increased. Stretching ability increases during hot weather, so afternoon workout time can facilitate a program that contains a bit more flexibility moves.

Expect changes in your ability during the summer months, enjoy the increase or decrease depending on time and temperature. Drink more than your "fair share" of water before and during your fitness workout and keep an eye on your body's core temperature.

The time of day for exercise changes from winter to summer. If your summer workout is in an air conditioned room, you may still be able to talk yourself into sweating when the temperature reaches 100.

Jerry Vance is certified by the American Council on Exercise and teaches fitness at the Carson City Community Center and for the American Lung Association.