Facing extreme hot weather, people who enjoy outdoor exercise are urged to be wiser in determining the duration and intensity of their workouts. Sports Medicine Specialist, dr. Antonius Andi Kurniawan, Sp.KO., emphasized that high ambient temperatures have a direct impact on increased heart rate and breathing frequency, which, if pushed too hard, can trigger excessive fatigue.
"It is very important to prioritize personal health and safety rather than forcing workout targets when the weather is unfavorable. Reducing intensity and duration is the most logical preventive step to avoid the risk of injury and heat-related illnesses," said dr. Andi when met in Jakarta.
According to dr. Andi, hydration plays a crucial role and must be done continuously, before, during, and after exercise. In addition, the process of acclimatization or the body's adaptation to the weather is a step that should not be skipped, especially for athletes preparing for long-distance running events like marathons.
It is important for exercisers to recognize their body's signals and not push themselves beyond their physical limits. Weather conditions with high humidity often make the body's natural cooling mechanism, namely sweat evaporation, ineffective. The body's inability to dissipate heat can be fatal, ranging from muscle cramps, severe heat exhaustion, to medical emergencies like heat stroke that cause loss of consciousness.
