HEALTH

Judy Molnar is a certified coach and VP of the Iron Girl race series, so she knows a thing or two about stayin’ chill in the hot, hot heat. Here are her tips for keepin’ your cool during warm weather workouts.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. Head out early in the a.m. or after sunset. That way, you’ll be done with your workout before the pavement bakes, and you can avoid the sun’s harmful rays.

THE CHUG FACTOR. Try to drink one to two cups of water before you head outside. Make sure you have water with you at all times. A good rule is to take a water break every 20 minutes when you’re exercising.

WATCH THE WEATHER. Exercising when it’s about 80 is fine, but also consider the heat index and humidity levels. The combo can make it dangerous to do strenuous activities outdoors. So flip on the tube to check for any weather warnings.

LIGHTEN UP. Avoid working out in cotton shirts and dark colors. Opt for light, moisture-wicking fabric (think: Dri Fit) instead. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and a cold cloth for your neck, too.

6/6/2008 12:00:00 AM