We’re two weeks into June and summer is here in full heat. With the sunshine lasting over 12 hours it seems impossible to stay indoors. However, with the beckoning sunshine comes extreme heat. Though being outside has its benefits, it’s important for students to be aware of the dangers that could arise if they are participating in prolonged outdoor activities.

“The safest time to exercise outdoors during hot conditions, like we are experiencing now, is either early or late in the day when the temperatures are a little lower,” said Richard Engelhorn, associate professor of kinesiology.

If exercising in the early morning or late evening doesn’t fit into your summer schedule, Engelhorn still has a few safety tips for you.

“I would reduce either the duration [of the workout] or intensity of the workout during these conditions, and make sure to consume large amounts of water before, during and after the workout,” Engelhorn said. “Breaks during a workout may or may not be necessary depending on the length of the activity, but exercisers need to be sure to keep up the fluid intake.”

Staying hydrated is the most important precaution summer athletes should take. With the added heat, your body loses water at a faster rate than it does in cooler conditions.

While some athletes swear by the electrolyte-enhanced Gatorade, or niche products like Smartwater, regular water is often servicable for athletes.

“Plain water is probably as good as anything, unless the exercise is over a rather long time period,” said Engelhorn.