But if we reduce our physical activity each time it feels too hot to exercise outside, it can contribute to long-term health risks.
Staying active in hot weather can be challenging. It’s one reason why players at the World Cup 2026 in the US, Canada and Mexico are being given additional, but controversial hydration breaks 22 minutes into each half. And with record temperatures on their way this summer thanks to a powerful El Niño weather pattern, it’s likely to be a tough time to exercise.
Pushing through a run or football match in extreme heat can not only be uncomfortable but also dangerous, putting us at risk of heatstroke.
“Walking, cycling, exercising outdoors and even daily routines like commuting on foot become more physically demanding and less comfortable when temperatures are high,” says Christian García-Witulski, an environmental lifestyle epidemiologist at the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina.
