Getting up early in the morning to do your workout is one of the best ways to beat the heat. In the early morning hours, before or just as the sun has come up, the out of doors is dramatically cooler than later in the day. Also, the atmosphere is much fresher from the plants' evening respiration, so you can breathe some high-quality oxygenated air.

However, if getting up early in the morning is impossible or not for you, there are a few other alternatives. You can work out at a gym. Shopping malls encourage walkers, so that's an excellent low-cost alternative to an expensive gym membership, especially if there's a mall near your home.

Additionally, home exercise equipment can be a very good investment. You don't need a separate room for your exercise machine. An unused corner in a bedroom, oversized bathroom, or living area will do. Crank the air conditioning and be sure to drink plenty of room-temperature water while you're exercising.

If you do decide to go out in the heat of the day, it's important to take a few precautions. Wear lightweight clothing, preferably showing a lot of skin, as this will give your body a better outlet to exhaust extra heat generated during exercise. Drink water before you head out, and take a bottle of water with you. Try to walk in shaded areas and avoid the sun. Most importantly, watch out for the following signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Heat exhaustion:

Muscle weakness or fatigue
Muscle cramping
Dizziness, or feeling faint
Headache
Nausea
Cold, clammy skin
Paleness
Extreme thirst or dry tongue
Fast pulse
Shallow breathing

Heat stroke:

High body temperature
Absence of perspiration
Red or flushed appearance
Hallucinations
Labored breathing
Confustion and disorientation
Agitation
Seizure
Coma

If you experience or come across another person during your workout who shows symptoms of heat stroke, or if symptoms of heat exhaustion persist for more than an hour, call 911 immediately. The most important order of business when you or somebody else is suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke is to cool down. Seek out a shady area, remove clothing, wet the skin down, retreat to an air conditioned room.

Learn more about this author, Guinevere Shepherd.
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