Page 72 - LIN M-J-J-2023 web-low

health & fitness

Ability

to Perform

in the Heat

by Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

Summer is around the corner. The Newer research has shown cooling the body can be best
temperatures have already struck 90 degrees. achieved by cooling the soles of the feet, the face, and the palm
Many people struggle in the heat to exercise of the hand. Cooling the palm of the hand allows for the
but what is it that causes someone to be so cooler blood to reach the heart and thus keep the organs from
affected by the heat. overheating. This allows for muscles to recover quicker and
Normal body temperature is around perform. It has been proven that cooling the hands in between
98.6 degrees. As a person exercises, many sets of exercises has been an effective way to perform more reps of
enzymatic processes occur within the an exercise and thus create more strength and power over weeks of
body. The body heats up and can affect exercising.
such processes. There needs to be an ability of the body to create The coolness is key, especially performing exercises in the
energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It is in the summer in Florida. Cooling glove machines exist but if these
mitochondria of the cell where energy is created and thus the are not available, consider trying to cool the hands during
mitochondria is considered the powerhouse of the cell. and between exercise sets. This cooling has been done for 1-2
Mitochondria produce energy and this energy is used in the minutes which seems to cool the body down and allow for better
contraction of muscle. Cells that have high energy tend to have performance. Maybe trying to cool the hands with cold bottles
more mitochondria. Thus the more mitochondria the more chance could be an effective method. Try to help yourself by considering
that the body can create this energy. ways to help keep the body heat under control. It is worth
There is much literature available in regards to muscle building experimenting with ways to help yourself. The thought, however,
and muscular efficiency. These methods vary depending upon the is not applying ice because ice may actually constrict and send the
goals that want to be achieved. In all methods, with muscular wrong messages.
contractions, a common deterrent that can cause muscle fatigue is Cool the hands which gets the cooler blood back to the heart.
the production of heat. Be smart exercising in the warmer months. Make sure water
Research has shown that heating a muscle too much decreases intake is optimal and listen to your body. Even add foods that
the ability of a muscle to keep contracting. Overall, performing have a cooling effect such as cucumbers, watermelon, and mint.
multiple sets of an exercise has been done in order for a muscle to Happy Exercising!
recover and perform once again.
Here’s To Your Health!

Fitness Together 335 14 Ave South, Naples, FL 34102 239.263.9348 www.FitnessTogether.com/naples
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72 Life in Naples | May/June/July 2023