The risks of exercising in extreme heat
You might think you can push through a super hot day and get your usual outdoor run in, but the impacts of extreme heat can sneak up on you very quickly. Not to scare you, but exertional heat stroke is one of the leading causes of sudden death during sport – basically, don’t mess with the heat.
Not only does it pose a number of health risks, it can actually hamper your athletic performance which can be frustrating, especially if you’re working towards a big event or challenge.
All this goes to say, when it’s roasting outside it’s time to take the grind inside.
Top indoor workouts for summer in the UAE
Enough with the safety lecture, let’s get into some of the best indoor workout options for your UAE fitness routine this summer.
Gym routines
When it comes to the easiest way to take your workout efforts inside, it doesn’t get much easier than an air-conditioned gym.
Dubai in particular has a fantastic gym scene, with top-of-the-line equipment and dedicated HIIT circuits to ensure you’re still making progress no matter how hot it is outside.
If you’d still prefer to take it a little easier during the heights of summer, consider dropping the weight a little and going for more reps instead.
Group fitness classes
If a typical gym workout isn’t really your thing, Dubai is home to many world-class exercise studios which offer a range of varied and enjoyable classes to keep things interesting when you’re stuck inside.
Try spinning classes at CRANK, reform pilates at Reform Athletica or strength and conditioning at The LAB – you might even discover a new favourite to add to your routine all year-round.
An added benefit of group workouts in the UAE is the social aspect. You’ll meet new people and push each other to work harder and achieve more – it can get addicting.
Indoor swimming
On a roasting hot day, there’s nothing quite like jumping in the sea or outdoor pool for a few lengths. Unfortunately, whilst the water will make you feel cooler, swimming outside when temperatures are extreme can be a ticket to heat stroke without you even realising.
To play it safe, taking your goggles and swim cap to an indoor pool can be a great way to get some valuable cardio in without the risks the heat poses. Use your time in the pool as a way to build stamina, hone your technique with different strokes or even work on your breathing.
Want to push yourself in the pool? Try a ‘pyramid’ routine – a structure where you increase distance and intensity gradually to a peak and then decrease it steadily (e.g. up one side of the pyramid and down the other).
Indoor sports and activities
If you prefer to get your workouts in the form of activities or sport, Dubai is a great place to be. The city is home to a huge range of indoor facilities, from rock climbing and padel courts to trampoline parks and boxing gyms.
Whatever your poison, whether martial arts and dance or racket and combat sports, you’ll find something to keep you occupied and in shape during the heights of Dubai summer.
If this isn’t something you’ve tried before, the summer is a great time to experiment and find some new favourites.
At-home fitness
If all else fails or you just don’t fancy leaving the house, the internet is a fantastic resource for getting your workout in no matter where you are.
A quick scroll through the App Store will give you countless home workout apps, or you can find an endless selection of guided exercise videos on YouTube. There’s even VR fitness if you’ve got the equipment – you can work out with friends and join live classes from the comfort of your own home, it’s pretty cool.
These are also great if you’ve got a particularly busy schedule, no matter how slammed your day is you can always find 15 minutes at home to get a quick sweat on.
Tips to keep your routine consistent throughout summer
When it’s especially hot outside, fatigue and exhaustion can creep up on you quite quickly – especially if you struggle to sleep in the heat. As such, ensuring you’re fuelling your body with the right nutrients is just as key as staying consistent with your workouts.
Rule number one, as always, is to stay hydrated. Water is great but your body needs more to be truly hydrated. The Hydrate Blend is our all-in-one solution for optimal hydration, energy and performance, with electrolytes, vitamins and minerals packed into a convenient sachet.
Beyond hydration, Innermost offers a wide range of supplements to keep you fuelled and making progress, from The Health Protein (a vegan protein powerhouse) to The Rise Capsules (nootropic capsules to keep your mind sharp throughout the hot days). Check out our collection if you’re looking for some inspo.
Build a comprehensive supplement stack that fits your needs and keep crushing your goals all summer long.
Keep cool, keep moving
The UAE summer heat can be a challenge but don’t let it be a barrier. Look at it as an opportunity to try new things and hit new levels, regardless of where your feet are planted.
Explore new types of workout, meet new people and above all, listen to your body. If you find yourself low on energy or struggling for strength, consider taking a look at our proteins and boosters to give yourself that extra firepower.
Stay safe out (or in) there!
