Acclimation to exercise in the heat
This paper will provide the definition and background of heat acclimation. In addition to the background detail this paper will also be providing some myths, claims and facts about acclimation. This paper will show how heat affects exercising performance and how we acclimate to heat. The paper will discuss what happens during heat acclimation such as symptoms one have during this period and methods of acclimating to heat.
Acclimation is the ability of an individual to adapt in the change of its environment such as in heat, humidity and cold temperatures. To continuously exercise in heat and to have a tolerance to it is know as heat acclimatization. This is done for a specific amount time over a period of time for a certain amount of days. When it is done in an artificially controlled environment the process is known as heat acclimation. The reason for heat acclimatization is to improve on the ability to tolerate exercising in the heat. The reason for the acclimation is to prevent problems such as heat exhaustions and heat strokes, to increase workout outputs and at the same time reduce cardiovascular, heat and metabolic strain. According to Armstrong, L.E. (1998), Heat acclimatization is specific to stress on the human body. Example that Armstrong gave was passive exposure to heat induces some responses, markedly an improved ability to dissolve heat. On the other hand physical training in a cool-dry environment results in a metabolic and cardiovascular response. Armstrong suggested that in heat acclimatization that in strenuous exercises bring on responses from both passive heat exposure and training in cool environments.
Some myths are that if one is physically fit that he/or she there is no need to be heat acclimatized. Also it is a big misconception that older individuals are less tolerant then younger individuals for heat acclimation. Lastly they are is another mistaken belief that woman need longer...