Hotter Than the Sun? 5 Outdoor Workouts That Won’t Kill You

Hotter Than the Sun? 5 Outdoor Workouts That Won’t Kill You

Kentucky summers can bake a brisket with the sun, but a little heat shouldn’t keep you off your fitness game.

Here are five tried-and-true workouts to sweat smarter, not harder, with history and science behind each.

1. Dawn Patrol Rucking

Carrying a weighted backpack isn’t new; it originated as part of infantry training in the early 1900s.

Modern “rucking” is just using that concept to build endurance without sprinting under a sun that’s trying to melt you.

2. Appalachian Trail Hill Repeats

Appalachian settlers have used hiking routes like Pine Mountain Trail for centuries, and hill repeats on these trails build strength, fitness, and local pride all before dawn.

3. Core-Burning Paddleboard

Paddleboarding exploded in the 2000s, but it’s built on ancient Polynesian surfing techniques. Balancing a board on water activates your core harder than most land exercises, while keeping you cool in the creek.

4. Creek Sprint Intervals

Swimming and sprint intervals in rivers or ponds combine cold-water shock with explosive cardio. Finnish athletes have long utilized cold plunges to enhance their resilience, and it has proven effective.

5. Backyard Farmer’s Carry

Farmers carried sacks dozens of miles with ease. Pick up heavy items around your yard—such as mulch bags and firewood—and walk—functional fitness for real life.

Tips to Survive:

• Hydrate aggressively (8oz every 30 minutes)

• Dress in breathable, light-colored clothes

• Early morning or late evening equals fewer heat risks

• Find shade where you can; trees aren’t just scenic; they’re lifesavers

This summer, work out like a Kentucky man, not a roast chicken.