24/08/2026
Exercising can be difficult or even dangerous when the weather is very hot, and can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or the medical emergency heatstroke. But we know it is important to stay active, so how can you and your children exercise safely this summer?
Choose your time – Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.
Be careful in water – Open water can still be very cold, and can cause our bodies to go into cold water shock. Enter the water slowly, don’t swim alone, and if you go into shock, lie back in the water with your ears submerged and float to save yourself.
Choose an indoor activity – Many sports centres have air conditioning to keep you cool.
Make a shady space – Create shade with sheets, parasols and sails to keep children out of direct sun while they play outside.
Cool down afterwards – following exercise with wet towels, cool drinks, and sitting in the shade, maybe with a fan, is a good way to make sure you don’t stay too hot for too long.
Find out more about exercising safely at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20260618-how-keep-exercising-when-its-really-hot and see some family activity ideas at https://purephysiotherapy.co.uk/staying-active-during-the-summer-holidays-with-kids/
Scientists say it is important to find ways to exercise when temperatures soar to protect your long-term health. Here's how you can keep going when things hot up.
