Staying Active Outdoors: Tips for Exercising Safely in Spring

July 7, 2023 | Rebecca Chapman

As springtime rolls around, it’s the perfect time to get outside and stay active. However, exercising safely is as important as properly preparing for outdoor workouts. We’re sharing our top tips for staying active outdoors during spring, including advice on the best times to exercise, how to stay hydrated, and how to manage seasonal allergies. We’ll also recommend local walking trails in Baldwin County, AL, and share our Elderberry Energy Bar recipe for a nutritious boost. With Pure Life Pharmacy’s health and wellness tips, you can optimize your spring workouts and stay on track with your fitness goals.

Choose the Best Time to Exercise

The spring season can bring a lot of variability in weather conditions, especially in the muggy and humid Gulf Coast weather. It can be sunny and warm one day, then cold and rainy. Therefore, it is important to choose the best time to exercise outside. Early morning or late afternoon is typically the best time to exercise, as the temperature is cooler, and there is less direct sun exposure. This can help you avoid the heat of midday when the sun is highest, and the humidity is at its peak, making it more difficult to exercise comfortably. It is also important to check the weather forecast before heading outside to ensure that there are no thunderstorms or severe weather warnings that could put you at risk. Choosing the right time to be active outdoors can help reduce the discomfort of the warm and humid conditions while allowing you to reap the benefits of being outside.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential during outdoor exercise, especially in the spring when the temperature rises. It’s recommended to drink at least 8 ounces of water before exercising and then continue to drink water every 10-20 minutes during your workout. If you exercise for over an hour, consider adding an electrolyte replacement drink to help replace lost nutrients. Try incorporating this elderberry drink mix into an 8-ounce glass of water before, during, or after exercise to replenish those electrolytes.

 

>> Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to stay energized and healthy during outdoor workouts? These energy bars are the perfect way to fuel up before or after your springtime workout and keep you going strong. 

Plan Your Route

If you are hiking or trail running, choose a well-marked trail within your skill level. Letting someone know your route and expected return time in an emergency is also a good idea. Planning your exercise route is important for both safety and enjoyment. Fortunately, the Baldwin County, AL, area has several great options for outdoor exercise, including walking trails that are perfect for a springtime workout. 

Here are just a few local walking trails to consider:

Gulf State Park
This park offers over 25 miles of paved walking, running, or biking trails. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a must-see, offering beautiful views of the Gulf Coast and a chance to spot some local wildlife.

Eastern Shore Trail
This 32-mile trail runs along the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, offering stunning water views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. The trail is paved and perfect for walking, running, or cycling.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
This 7,000-acre wildlife refuge offers several trails for hiking, including the Gator Lake Trail and the Pine Beach Trail. Both trails provide a chance to see some local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Be Aware of Allergies

Spring is notorious for allergies, and outdoor exercise can sometimes trigger them. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, taking precautions to minimize your symptoms, like itchy or watery eyes, is important. Check the pollen count before heading out, and try to exercise during the times of the day when the pollen count is lower. 

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, don’t let them prevent you from enjoying the outdoors during spring. Take a look at our 5 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies, which provides some helpful suggestions on how to minimize your allergy symptoms during spring, like 

Watch for Signs of Overexertion

Exercising outdoors in the spring can be exhilarating. Still, it is important to listen to your body and watch for signs of overexertion, like shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

Exercising outdoors safely during the spring season can be fun. Remember to take it slow and listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of overexertion or if your allergies become unmanageable. At Pure Life Pharmacy, we want to help you live your best life, including staying active and healthy outdoors. So grab your gear, head outside, and enjoy all the benefits of spring!

References

  1. American Heart Association. (2021). Warm Up, Cool Down and Be Flexible. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/warm-up-cool-down-and-be-flexible
  2. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Exercise and dehydration: How much water do you need? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048167
  3. TrailLink. (n.d.). Eastern Shore Trail. https://www.traillink.com/trail/eastern-shore-trail/
  4. TrailLink. (n.d.). Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. https://www.traillink.com/trail/hugh-s-branyon-backcountry-trail/
  5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2021). Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bon_Secour/