surviving florida’s heat (without dying or crying)
Yo! Got a DM yesterday that hit home:
“Help! Just moved to Florida and this heat is KILLING me. Like, I literally can’t work out anymore without feeling like I’m melting. What’s the move?”
- Sarah from Apopka
Oh boy, do I have thoughts on this.
Let me tell you a quick story about my first summer workout in Florida. Picture this: I’m doing what I always did – running at 2pm like a complete idiot.
10 minutes in, I’m seeing spots, sweating through parts of my body I didn’t know could sweat, and pretty sure I saw Jesus waving at me. (He was wearing sunscreen, smart guy)
That’s when I learned the first rule of Florida: The sun isn’t your friend, it’s your frenemy.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you about exercising in Florida: It’s not about being tough. It’s about being smart.
Think of it like playing poker – you don’t win by having the strongest hand, you win by playing your cards right.
So here’s EAZY-PEEZY Guide to Not Dying in Florida Heat™️:
- Timing is Everything Remember how your grandma used to say “the early bird gets the worm”? Well in Florida, the late bird gets heatstroke.
Get up early. Like, “why am I awake” early. 6am workouts hit different when it’s 95 degrees by noon.
Orlando.gov saysstaying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight at peak times and wearing light-weight clothing will help lower the risk of health issues related to heat.
(sidebar: yes, I know getting up early sucks. You know what sucks more? Heat exhaustion.)
- Water is Your BFF Not like “we hang out sometimes” BFF. More like “we finish each other’s sentences” BFF.
I’m talking about drinking water like it’s your job. Because in Florida, it kind of is.
Fun fact: By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. That’s like waiting until your car is on fire to get an oil change.
- Low Impact = High Returns You don’t need to go full CrossFit in 100% humidity.
Swimming? Perfect. Morning walks? Chef’s kiss. Yoga in the AC? Now you’re talking.
I had this friend who insisted on doing his HIIT workouts at 3pm in July. Know where he is now?
(Ok he’s fine, but he did pass out in his driveway once. Don’t be like Brad.)
Here’s the secret sauce: Listen to your body.
If your body’s saying “hey maybe let’s not run a marathon in this weather” – maybe listen?
Think of Florida heat like that friend who always wants to party on a Tuesday night. Sure, you could do it, but should you?
And if you’re really struggling? There’s no shame in getting help.
I know a guy who thought his legs were just “naturally swollen” in summer. Turns out he needed to see a vein specialist. Now he’s running around like Florida Man at a gator farm.
Bottom line? Florida’s gonna Florida. You can’t change the weather, but you can change how you deal with it.
Remember:
- Morning workouts > Evening regrets
- Water is life (literally)
- AC is not cheating, it’s surviving
Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to beat the heat. It’s to find your groove despite it.
P.S. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort in their veins during the summer heat Professional treatment might be needed. Vein specialist services can help those who suffer from chronic discomfort in their veins and help them stay healthy and pain-free, even in hot temperatures.
