Weight Loss and Exercise in Tough Environmental Conditions
Working out is working out, right?
Wrong.
Depending on the environmental conditions where you live, there may be extra precautions that you'll want to consider when trying to lose weight by following a healthy diet and weight loss program.
High Altitudes
High altitude environments have less available oxygen then those closer to sea level. One of the effects of such altitude is that the heart must beat faster in order to do the job of delivering oxygen to the muscle tissues both while active and at rest.
Depending on the specific altitude and corresponding acitivity, heart rates may soar as high as 50% above normal. Also, side effects like hyperventilation, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, headache, and irratability are also common in such an environment.
Because of these possible outcomes, people who exercise in high altitudes will definitely want to consult a local physician for clearance before beginning their weight loss exercise program, and may want to lower the intensity of their weight loss cardiovascular activity---especially if they are beginners.
People living in high altitudes will also want to get medical clearance before trying any diet pills, diet patch, or any other weight loss product(s) that may elevate the heart rate to eliminate risk of more complicated health concerns.
Exercising in Extreme Heat
Under normal circumstances, the body's temperature is at or around 98'. In areas that have very high temperatures (around 100' or more), the body must adjust to maintain the proper temperature by transferring some of its heat back into the environment.
The primary result of this reaction is that he heart rate will be higher than normal, similar to the effect of being in high altitudes. To best aid the body in maintaining its normalcy under such conditions, make sure to drink 3 to 6 oz. of water for every 10 to 15 minutes of weight loss activity and allowing as much sweat to evaporate as possible. It is also important to wear as close to 100% cotton garments as well as stray away from rubberized or water-proof garments that will prevent sweat evaporation. Light colors should also be worn.
Exercising in the Cold
To the surprise as many, water replenishment is just as important in the cold as it is in much warmer environments.
The fact of the matter is that water is lost as vapor as inhaled during cardiovascular exercise and other activities that help you to ultimately lose weight. There is also a risk of losing too much body heat once you are done exercising.
To best be prepared to exercise in order to lose weight fast while living in cold environments, make sure to dress in layers to insulate body heat and drink plenty of water. Also wear a hat to limit the amount of body heat that escapes through the head, which is where most body heat is lost from.
Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.
