How to exercise safely outdoors this summer

Exercise early before the heat is most intense

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Exercising beneath bright, clear blue skies brings a host of benefits - fresh air, time in nature, and a healthy dose of vitamin D. However, before diving into an outdoor workout this summer, it's important to consider a few key safety precautions.

ACCLIMATISE

"A lot of people jump straight into workouts in the summer without acclimatising - this is a mistake," says Michael Betts, personal trainer and director of TRAINFITNESS. "Our bodies generally need one to two weeks to adapt to exercising in the heat.

"Older adults need extra time for acclimatisation because ageing affects your body's ability to regulate temperature. Start with shorter sessions that are less intense and gradually build up."

APPLY SUNSCREEN

"Sunscreen with SPF30 or higher should be applied 30 minutes before going outside," advises Michael.

"Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating heavily.

WORK OUT IN THE MORNING