There are so many benefits to exercising outside, but summertime presents unique challenges. In Boise, Idaho, the main deterrents are excruciating heat, dryness, and smoke from wild fires. Because of all this, it’s easy to give up and just stay inside. But, we’ve got a few good ideas for some easy hacks to help you get in the great outdoors during the heat of the summer.
Hack 1: Exercise Early
Depending on your heat tolerance, try to get out before 11:00 AM. If you really can’t stand the heat or if it’s one of the hottest days, get out by 7:00 AM. Keep in mind, it’s not wise to sacrifice sleep for exercise. Plan your bedtime so that you still get a full night of sleep.
Surprisingly, in July and August in Boise, Idaho, the hottest part of the day extends from about 2:30 PM until 9:30 PM! Click the picture or the link if you want to play with this diagram more interactively. INTERACTIVE DIAGRAM.
Hack 2: Exercise On or Near Water
Exercise on water for a cooler experience, dip in the water to cool yourself off and to benefit from cold exposure. Before getting on the water, don’t forget to wear sun protection and sunglasses.
Hack 3: Swim Laps Outdoors
Boise City has four outdoor pools that offer lap swim times. They’re open after Memorial day until school starts, with varying hours at some pools after school starts. Note that the below listed hours are correct as of June 2024, but click the links for the most up-to-date information and for holiday closures and date-range specific times.
Lap swim times (age 16+):
- Natatorium Pool and Hydro Tube
- Daily: 11:30 AM – 12:55 PM
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 6:25 PM
- Ivywild Pool
- Daily: 11:30 – 12:55 PM
- Borah Pool
- Daily: 11:30 AM – 12:55 PM
- Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 6:25 PM
- Fairmont Pool
- Daily: 11:30 – 12:55 PM
- Monday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 6:25 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 5:30 – 6:25 PM
Hack 4: Wet Your Clothes
- Soak your shirt, wring it out, put it on and go!
- It’s like your own personal swamp cooler.
- For longer cooling – use a cotton or cotton blend fabric so the shirt stays wet longer.
Hack 5: Wet your head or wear a cooling necktie
Wet your head in a faucet, under a hose or in a creek during your walk, run or bike ride to cool off.
If you don’t have a water source available and want to maintain consistent cooling outdoors, purchase a cooling neck wrap to wear. This also works great for any time you are outdoors in the heat like gardening, going to outdoor events and more.
Hack 6: Ride or Run through Sprinklers
Hack 7: Head to the Hills
Bogus Basin Mountain Resort is open in summer. They have trails for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. They also offer yoga, disc golf, live music and summer activities for the whole family.
For a more drastic change in temperatures, drive 2-3 hours north to one of Idaho’s mountain towns to escape the heat.
Summertime Safety
- Hydrate before and during exercise. Replenish electrolytes after your workout.
- Shorten the duration of your workout on hotter days.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Avoid outdoor exercise when the Air Quality Index is Red, Purple, or Brown. Additionally, sensitive people like children, the elderly, and those with lung or heart problems, should avoid outdoor exercise on Orange air quality days.
Dreaming of the Cold Winter? Check out Winter Hacks to Keep You Exercising Outside
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