Sure, we’re known for our legendarily hot physiques, but the impending degrees of summer may perplex even the most sizzling human specimens. The summer months can not only improve our natural tans, but can bolster our internal health as well. Just as important, though, is our ability to tame this beast of heat and not find ourselves baking in a fire of health risk.

So, let’s start by getting ‘fired up’ about this fast-approaching summer heat. Exercise in the heat improves your overall fitness level, develops your ability to exercise, increases your tolerance to heat and helps prevent the intolerance of heat that occurs with age. Overall, heat needs to receive more recognition for its redeeming qualities.

Specifically, Dr. Jolie Bookspan, M.D. explains that when humans increase their body temperature, the body produces chemical groups nicknamed ‘heat shock proteins’. These are groups of proteins that do many helpful chores around the body. They help protect other protein from damaging infections, ultra violet light, starvation and other harsh conditions, including cancer.

It’s not all sunshine and smiles, however, when it comes to blazing summer temperatures. Exercise in hot weather puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Moreover, here in Oklahoma, we have extra humidity, which adds to over-heating issues. More humidity amplifies heat stress because the sweat does not readily evaporate, making your body temperature higher.

Furthermore, our natural “inner-fans” may not cool our bodies as effectively if we stress ourselves for too long. Our body’s ability to cool depends on hydration. It is necessary to consider drinking a sports drink if engaging in heat-intense exercise for more than an hour. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that sports drinks replace the sodium, chloride and potassium that the body loses through sweating. Plus, who would pass on the opportunity to experience Gatorade’s delightful and new berry rain flavor?

The Oklahoma heat is a finicky brute that must be handled with care. So pick up your refreshments and start sweating like Richard Simmons sweats to the oldies.