heat

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Winter weight gain can happen to the best of us, but new research out of England says that turning up the heat indoors can lead to weight gain. Apparently, temperatures in the low 60s, while still comfortable, causes a substance in our bodies called brown fat to burn, generating heat and burning calories.

Research was conducted by a team of professionals including health psychologists, biologists, and indoor-environment specialists. Apparently, since central heat became popular in the 1960s, indoor temperatures in both the US and the UK have gotten warmer; at the same time obesity rates have been climbing as well. Additionally, researchers found that due to the efficiency of modern heating systems, most people heat their entire house to one temperature, whereas in the past the bedrooms tended to be slightly colder.

Not being exposed to the cold, researchers say, means our bodies don't produce enough of this brown fat, which in turn is unable to burn calories. They also maintain that cold exposure or non-exposure is not a major contributing factor to obesity; exercise and food consumption still take top honors in that category. But at least one medical professional does maintain that lowering the temperature indoors may have a weight-reduction effect over time.

Next time you're feeling chilly, don't reach for the thermostat. Do some push-ups instead!

One of the top reasons I belong to my gym is for the steam room. Whenever I feel a cold coming on, I head over to the facility and strip down to a towel for a 15-minute breather. While I prefer the misty heated room, others prefer the drier sauna, though they both tend to provide the same benefits. Still, there are differences between the two types of steam baths.

For starters, saunas are much hotter than their wetter counterparts. A room with wooden planks and a small oven, saunas are very hot — temperatures ranging between 140-212 degrees F with a low level of humidity (ranging from five to 30 percent). The only steam you will see in a sauna is the result of pouring water over the oven or the steam rising from your own skin. Steam rooms, on the other hand, are still very hot at 110-115 degrees F with a humidity level of 100 percent. The steam in these rooms is pumped in through a vent and often causes a fog so thick you can hardly see your hand in front of you.

Curious to know more about the benefits and warnings?

The following post was written by Olympic athlete and mom Kerri Walsh, two-time gold medalist in pairs beach volleyball. Los Angeles has been been experiencing an early Autumn heat wave prompting Kerri to share her tips for working out in the heat.

Hydration through out the day is huge! Hydrating just during your workout is not enough. I've been using the G series from Gatorade. They have a pre-workout drink, during workout drink, and post-workout recovery drink. The motto is "prepare, perform, and recover." This is a great mantra to keep in mind, especially when the elements are so grueling on your body. If you are not prepared, you cannot work out intensely. If you do not perform, you cannot get results, and if you can't do your best to recover, you won't get the benefits of your hard work.

When it is so hot I will also curtail my warm up, because your body warms up faster. I can put that extra energy into my workout and be more effective with my time that way. Generally I will limit my work out time if the heat starts to get to me and work hard for 30 minutes instead of an hour. Sometimes I will also just adjust my intensity, but still work out as long.

It is also important to keep in mind what you are wearing. You want your body to be able to breathe and you do not want to be bogged down with sweat. I also wear a visor sometimes, because it helps keep the sweat out of my eyes.

Be sure to catch up and read all of Kerri's great posts on FitSugar!

Where I live, Spring has quickly sprung into Summer weather, with sunshiny days and temperatures steadily climbing through the 80s into the 90s. The warm weather motivates me to get outside and exercise, but I'll tell you, the sudden high temps mixed with humidity are kicking my butt. Here are some tips to make working out in the heat safe and more bearable.

• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after your workout to avoid dehydration. Bring along a water bottle, water belt, or hydration pack and sip about four to eight ounces of water every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Ease into hot outdoor workouts, and don't push yourself too hard. Exercise for less time and at a lower intensity, then gradually build up to longer, harder workouts. Listen to your body, and don't be afraid to take breaks if you need to.
• Alter your schedule to run during cooler times of the day. Early mornings or late evenings tend to be the best.
• Run in shady places like the woods, or breezy places like the beach or along a lake.

Want to know what else you should do? Then read more