Sports in Hot and Cold Environments

Abstract

There are various sports with different requirements. Athletes who are doing sports in very hot or cold environments need to consider the different aspects of the environmental temperature influencing their bodies. As homeotherm beings, humans need to maintain a body temperature of around 37 °C or 98 °F. Therefore, the body has its own thermoregulatory system. Preparation and adaption to the environmental conditions are mandatory for the athlete to adapt. Especially in hot environments, athletes need to pause (in shadows) and keep drinking to prevent consequences like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Furthermore, the different physical characteristics of the environment and body condition need to be considered to prevent severe injuries.