Karnataka - Bangalore

Weather plays spoilsport for morning walkers

Special Correspondent

Irrespective of the temperature outside you are likely to perspire while running or walking briskly.

Bangalore: The weather gods are sure playing pranks as far as Bangalore is concerned. Hot days are ending with cool evenings and colder nights and early mornings.

This poses a challenge to people who like to go on an early morning walk or jog. Or just to take the dog out for a walk and enjoy relatively unpolluted air of 6.30 a.m.. Irrespective of the temperature outside you are likely to perspire while running or walking briskly; especially if gradients are involved as in most parts of the city.

"Many young people now go out early mornings or late evenings wearing synthetic jackets with hoods, sometimes lined with natural fibre. While the lining may absorb some of the sweat, the outer fabric may not allow it to evaporate. This prevents the body from maintaining an even temperature after a walk or run and can have unpleasant side effects," says Natasha Singh, trainer at an upmarket health club. Of course, one cannot wear tweeds and flannels out for a walk as an older generation of Bangaloreans used to and some old-timers still do. The ideal compromise is to wear a knitted woollen cardigan or sweater with a scarf at the neck if you are prone to catching a chill.

"As the days and evenings get warmer, you are going to need more fluid in the system before and after exercise and often in-between workouts in a gym. Those out of jogging too should go with a water bottle as even fitness cyclists in the West do," advices Ms. Singh. The body's energy levels depend on fluids and getting dehydrated takes away that feeling of well-being after an exercise session. As spring turns to summer, all fitness buffs better start increasing their fluid intake and stay at their peak.

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