If gyms make you feel caged, don't despair on exercising just because the weather isn't ideal. Learning how to dress and prepare your body for outdoor workouts is important for your health and will improve your workout.

Clothes Make the Workout

In summer, light-colored clothing that reflects the sun's rays will help keep you cool.

Dark clothes are better in the winter. In very cold weather, layering with several layers of lightweight clothing is preferable to wearing one or two heavy layers. Your body will generate a lot of heat, which the extra layers will trap. As you warm up, if you have enough layers on you can remove them as necessary. Only wearing one or two heavy layers will not allow you as much flexibility in keeping your body temperature where you feel comfortable.

Wearing a hat can improve your outdoor workout immensely. In cold weather, it keeps in heat; in warm weather, it provides shade and helps shelter your scalp from sunburn.

Avoid rubberized or plastic clothing that interferes with your ability to perspire. If you can't sweat during a workout, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels.

Hot, Humid Weather Workout Tips:

• In hot, humid weather, work out in the early morning or in the evening, when the sun's rays are weaker.
• Make sure to keep your body well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Don't drink alcohol, which dehydrates the body.
• Wear light-colored clothing that is loose-fitting.
• Stop your workout if you cramp up or experience dizziness.

Cold Weather Workout Tips:

• Exercise during daylight when you'll receive some warmth from the sun's rays.
• Dress in several light layers.
• Protect your hands by wearing mittens or gloves.
• Wear a hat -- a large percentage of your body heat can be lost by not wearing a hat.
• Make sure your shoes fit properly with thicker winter socks.
• Don't jump into your workout -- do a slow warm up.
• As in summer, keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of liquids, especially water.
• Stop exercising immediately if you are shivering, or feel drowsy or disoriented. These are symptoms of hypothermia.

Regardless of the weather, if you exercise outdoors, follow these safety tips:

• If you exercise after dark, make sure to add reflector tape and lights to your body or equipment.
• Be sure to wear appropriate helmets and padding for the sport.
• Exercise inside if pollution alerts are posted in your area, particularly if you have heart or lung problems.