Summertime is here and the living is… hot, sweaty and salty.  Don’t you just love it?

Of course, having lived in Florida all of my adult life, and here in Orlando for the last 13 years I’m sure I have a different opinion of “the heat” than folks from other parts of the country.  That’s probably because in Central Florida, temperatures in the 90’s and humidity to match is just a normal day during the summer. 

When you live and exercise in heat you learn to dress comfortably, wear hats and sunscreen.  You find yourself parking all the way at the end of the parking lot - not for the extra exercise but for the shady spot.  An umbrella is great for rain – and better for sun and it’s really rare to find someone without a bottle of water handy. 

When I first moved here I worked in local radio and as an on-air talent was always announcing the weather forecast.  We had two, summer and winter.  And rumor had it that although it was very hot - the folks down at Disney World used some of their magic to never allow it to be too hot – at least they wouldn’t admit it.

So what’s my point?

Weather has an impact on your body and your mind.  While you may know the basics of how your body reacts physically to heat, remember, your emotional reaction to weather will be very similar whether it’s hot or cold.

Unless it’s a perfect 72 degrees, you are out of your comfort zone physically and emotionally. 

So why is this important?

Many folks get depressed in the dark, cold days of January and call it a seasonal disorder but few understand the same thing can happen in the heat of July.

I bring this up because lots of folks come alive when the weather begins to warm up but when it gets too hot – all bets are off – along with the workouts.

If that happens to you just remind yourself that it’s “only in your head” and keep moving – preferably in the morning or afternoon when it’s a bit cooler.