Exercise heating up

NEW YORK (WABC) -- We want you to exercise but on days like today, it can actually be life threatening to do it outside.

But no matter what we say, people will still exercise outside.

For those of you who insist on charging forward, here's a quick look at what you need to know and how to help your body adapt.

Anytime the temperature soars past 80 degrees, your body is at risk. But especially if the humidity is above 50%, that's because your sweat will not evaporate.

Evaporating the sweat reduces YOUR temperature so if the body is not reducing the temperature it is going to rise up and potentially going to become life threatening.

It is possible for the body to adapt. It's called heat acclimatization training. Your heart and circulatory system become more efficient, and you sweat less. But sports medicine experts say it takes 2 weeks of disciplined and gradual training to get there.

You have to build up a resistance to working out in the heat just like you would if you would run in a marathon.

And when you hydrate, start early-- at least 2 hours before your work out.

And give yourself a break-- don't be surprised or disappointed if your performance is not at your peak.

Once your body gets used to working out in the heat, keep in mind that it doesn't last if you stop doing it--all those adaptations will disappear after a few days or weeks and you have to start over again.

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