With summer temperatures often topping 100 degrees, San Gabriel Valley residents are finding creative ways to stay active without risking heat-related illness. Whether walking at sunrise, visiting air-conditioned fitness centers, or following free online classes from home, there are plenty of ways to exercise in summer heat safely.
Start Early to Exercise in Summer Heat
One of the simplest ways to beat the heat is to schedule workouts during the coolest parts of the day. In El Monte and Rosemead, residents often take early walks at Lashbrook Park or along the Rio Hondo Bike Path. Peck Road Park in South El Monte offers a shaded trail with lake views that draw walkers and joggers before 8 a.m.
According to health experts at the San Gabriel Valley Health Center, outdoor exercise should be limited to early morning or late evening hours when UV exposure and heat stress are lowest. For those working irregular hours or managing child care, even 15-minute walks before breakfast can help maintain cardiovascular health and reduce stress.
Indoor Fitness Options Close to Home
When outdoor temperatures soar, local community centers provide safe, cool alternatives. El Monte’s Jack Crippen Multipurpose Senior Center and Baldwin Park’s Julia McNeill Senior Center both offer free or low-cost exercise classes in air-conditioned rooms. These include chair yoga, low-impact aerobics, and strength training.
For residents looking for family options, the Irwindale Recreation Center and Rosemead Community Center offer day passes for drop-in use of gym space, basketball courts, and fitness rooms. Some centers also partner with county programs to offer free Zumba or cardio classes during peak summer hours.
Foothill Transit and city shuttles provide access to many of these sites for residents without reliable transportation. Schedules are available at www.foothilltransit.org or each city’s website.
Stay Cool With At-Home Movement
For those unable to leave home due to health or mobility issues, online workouts offer a no-cost solution to stay active. YouTube channels like “Fitness Blender,” “Yoga With Adriene,” and “HASfit” provide free guided routines for all fitness levels. Many require no equipment and can be done in front of a fan.
Residents with small spaces can focus on bodyweight circuits, stretching, and balance exercises. Setting a daily reminder or pairing workouts with a favorite playlist helps create a routine, even when motivation drops in the heat.
It’s also important to listen to the body. During extreme temperatures, short sessions with frequent breaks are more effective than long, intense workouts.
Stay Hydrated While You Exercise in Summer Heat
Staying active in the summer requires more than just a good schedule—it also demands proper hydration and awareness. Health officials recommend drinking water before, during, and after exercise, even when not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can increase dehydration.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, and nausea. If these symptoms occur, stop activity immediately, seek shade or air conditioning, and rehydrate.
Children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of heat illness. Family members should check in with one another during high-heat days, especially when engaging in any form of physical activity.
Keeping Healthy All Summer Long
Safe exercise in summer heat is possible with planning and flexibility. The San Gabriel Valley offers plenty of options—from shaded trails to air-conditioned community centers—that make year-round movement accessible for all.
Whether indoors or outdoors, with a group or alone, small steps toward consistent movement help improve mood, support physical health, and make the most of the season. With a little creativity, anyone can stay active and safe while exercising in summer heat.
