
07/28/2025
The Do’s & Don’ts of Preventing Heat-Related Injuries for Athletes
Nine strategies for staying cool when the temperature rises.
Do's
1. Give Your Body Time to Acclimate
2. Adjust Your Workout Time
3. Modify Your Workout
4. Plan Your Routes Strategically
5. Stay Hydrated
6. Don’t Forget About Electrolytes
7. Dress Appropriately and Protect Your Skin
8. Remember the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
9. Know Your Limits
Don’ts:
• Don’t ignore muscle fatigue – Heat accelerates breakdown. Soreness could be a sign of early overuse injury.
• Don’t train without a cooldown strategy – Sudden stops can spike your heart rate and blood pressure dangerously.
• Don’t skip prehab routines – Your PT can build heat-season-specific exercises to stabilize joints and protect vulnerable areas like ankles, knees, and hamstrings.
• Don’t rely on “toughing it out” – The smartest athletes train with a long season in mind.
👉🏼Pro Tip: Partner with your physical therapist to create a heat-conscious training and recovery plan that keeps you on the field—and out of the treatment room.