Walking might serve as a central component of your exercise regimen and overall weight loss plan. But when summer temps heat up, that energizing stroll can quickly become a sweaty burden. How can you still get your minimum steps each day, but also stay comfortable and safe?

Change your schedule. If you can, try taking your walks earlier in the morning or later in the evening. You will avoid the heat of the day, and probably feel like fitting in more mileage.

Invest in a stepper. If you don’t want to invest in a full treadmill, grab a “stepper” machine. You can use it almost anywhere to get your steps in for the day.

Try the parking garage. Parking garages provide shade, so they feel a bit cooler than open, sunny spaces. You can before or after work, or on your lunch break.

Head indoors. Shopping malls provide a perfect venue to walk in an enclosed, air-conditioned space. Of course, many gyms also provide indoor walking tracks. Or, talk a walk around the gymnasium during the kids’ sports practices.

Do something else. If you can’t get to an indoor track, try another form of cardio such as a stationary bike or elliptical. And of course, treadmills still count as walking!

Sub in more steps elsewhere. Park far from doors. Do a lap or two around the office building before going inside in the mornings. Take the stairs instead of elevators. Fit in more steps anywhere you can, so that the occasional rest day won’t impact your fitness plan as much.

Watch the weather forecast. Avoid walking outdoors on days when the heat index is very high. When it’s above 91, it’s time to take extra precautions. Those are the days to schedule as rest days, unless you can use one of the other above suggestions.

And of course, hydrate! Dehydration can happen much more quickly when the weather is hot. Stay safe, and call us if you need to discuss your exercise or weight loss plan this summer.