Facing the challenges of hot and humid weather, outdoor sports enthusiasts are being urged to exercise greater caution in managing their workout loads. Sports Medicine Specialist dr. Antonius Andi Kurniawan, Sp.KO., Subsp.ALK (K), emphasized that extreme ambient temperatures directly affect the body's physiological responses, particularly by increasing heart rate and respiratory rate.
According to dr. Andi, forcing the same training intensity as under normal temperature conditions can accelerate fatigue and trigger a drastic increase in core body temperature. Therefore, he stressed the importance of adaptation or acclimatization. This step includes adjusting training duration and accustoming oneself to exercising under weather conditions similar to those during competitions.
In addition to managing workout loads, hydration is also a crucial factor. Adequate body fluids must be maintained before, during, and after exercise. Dr. Andi highlighted that high humidity often hinders sweat evaporation, which is the body's natural cooling mechanism. The body's inability to dissipate heat can be fatal, leading to muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, which can cause loss of consciousness.
As a preventive measure, the public is advised to be more attuned to their body's signals and monitor weather forecasts prior to physical activity. Prioritizing safety and health over performance goals is the primary message for anyone engaging in outdoor physical activities to avoid health complications caused by excessive heat exposure.
