Sun and Shape: The 411 on Exercising Outside

How to handle the heat while working out.

New Year, New Attitude! - Just because I am BET.com’s health writer doesn’t mean that I am not human. Between working part-time and being a full-time graduate film student, it isn’t always easy to watch what I eat and workout all the time. But, I wil reclaim my health in 2014! Read about ways that I am going to live a healthier and stronger life. — Kellee Terrell (@kelleent)(Photo: Steve Cole/Getty Images)

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Get Your Summer Sweat On! - Goodbye Polar Vortex, hello Summer! And while summer means beaches and BBQs, it can also mean taking your workouts outdoors. But how can you balance exercise and the heat at the same time? Read these tips. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Steve Cole/Getty Images)

Exercise - A regular fitness regimen can help keep breasts firm while strengthening the pectoral muscles. These muscles give your breasts a natural boost because they sit directly on top of them. If the muscles are weak and sagging, chances are your chest will be too. (Photo: Wendy Hope/Getty Images)

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Avoid the Heat - Safety should always come first when exercising outside, which means avoiding heat stroke. So try picking times where the sun hasn’t peaked and it’s not too hot. Opt for early morning workouts or after work runs at night when it’s still light out.  (Photo: Wendy Hope/Getty Images)

Disney Takes a Stand - Last summer Disney announced that by 2015 it would require all food and beverage products advertised on its television networks, online websites and at its theme parks to align with federal standards promoting healthier food choices by limiting calories, sugar, sodium and saturated fat. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Stay Hydrated! - Because the heat can dehydrate you quicker, make sure to drink often when working outside and during the day. Also water isn’t the only thing you can drink — try coconut water and low-calorie/low-sugar performance drinks, too.  (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Wear Light, Loose Fitting Clothing - The key to staying cool when working out is partly about what you are wearing. Make sure to wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Also, opt for workout gear made from a polyester/cotton blend — it will help you cool off easier. 

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Wear Light, Loose Fitting Clothing - The key to staying cool when working out is partly about what you are wearing. Make sure to wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Also, opt for workout gear made from a polyester/cotton blend — it will help you cool off easier. 

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Listen to Your Body - Know when it’s time to slow down and catch your breath, especially if you are getting dizzy, lightheaded and/or nauseous. Don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you. (Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images)

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Pile on That Sunscreen - Yes, Black people can get sunburned and skin cancer, so make sure that when you are outside exercising, you are protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. Also, grab some sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. (Photo: Emily Harris/Getty Images)

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Pile on That Sunscreen - Yes, Black people can get sunburned and skin cancer, so make sure that when you are outside exercising, you are protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. Also, grab some sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes. (Photo: Emily Harris/Getty Images)

Build Up Your Resistance to the Heat and Humidity - You have to get your body accustomed to working outside in the heat and the humidity. Start slow, by working out 15 minutes the first week and then building your way up to more. Before you know it, you will be ready to go full force. (Photo: moodboard/Corbis)

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Build Up Your Resistance to the Heat and Humidity - You have to get your body accustomed to working outside in the heat and the humidity. Start slow, by working out 15 minutes the first week and then building your way up to more. Before you know it, you will be ready to go full force. (Photo: moodboard/Corbis)

Always Check the Weather First - Before you go out, make sure to check the weather for the heat indexes, possible rain, and air quality. With that info you can make an informed decision about when and if going out is a good idea. (Photo: Weather+)

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Always Check the Weather First - Before you go out, make sure to check the weather for the heat indexes, possible rain, and air quality. With that info you can make an informed decision about when and if going out is a good idea. (Photo: Weather+)

Lose Some Weight - Being obese and having excess fat on your body can do a number on your menstrual cycle and make you skip periods, which means you ovulate less. And being able to pinpoint ovulation is crucial for getting pregnant. FYI: Being underweight isn’t good for fertility, either. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Know When to Stay Inside - While we want you to workout as much as possible, it’s OK to skip a workout outdoors if it’s too hot or if the weather is too severe. If you have a gym membership, use this day to workout there or just workout at home!(Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)

Nike Training Club - The Nike Training Club app (free) removes the need for expensive personal training sessions. Just input your fitness level and what you'd like to accomplish and the program will serve up a 15-, 30-, or 45-minute full body workout from its library of more than 100 routines and demos from top Nike athletes. (Photo: Nike)

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Mix Up Your Workout a Bit - Sometimes exercising can be monotonous and boring. But it doesn’t have to be. You can do more than just running and walking. Utilize these mobile apps and online resources to inspire yourself to switch it up with intervals, boot-camp style workouts, and yoga routines. (Photo: Nike)