How to Practice Pilates Safely in the Summer

In the last few years, we’ve seen Pilates transform from a more niche interest into a more global practice, with practitioners of all ages, genders, and creeds. A recent Statista report noted that in 2023 alone, almost 12 million Americans reported practicing Pilates, representing a 15% increase from the year prior. Along the same lines, whereas a few years ago Pilates was mistakenly seen as a purely “woman’s workout,” now the WSJ shares that up to 25% of participants are male.

This growth and widescale adoption make sense, considering that Pilates is an almost 100-year-old workout method designed to help rehabilitate diverse sets of people, ranging from soldiers to dancers. Moreover, because Pilates is highly customizable, it can be practiced at any skill level, virtually anywhere, and anytime. That said, if you’re practicing Pilates this summer, there are a few things to remember. After all, the summer season comes with significant temperature spikes, which can impair your performance and your wellness if you’re not prepared for it. Before you go setting up for a summer of Pilates, here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Use sunscreen religiously

Sun exposure has many benefits, like helping to regulate moods and sleep cycles, but too much of it can be dangerous. Because the sun emits UV rays, too much time under the sun can result in many issues, ranging from sunburns to skin cancers. During the summertime, UV levels are notably greater since the sun’s position is higher from the ground, meaning there is more time for it to penetrate and damage before it’s absorbed by the atmosphere. 

Having said this, sun protection should be part of your Pilates kit. For starters, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 50. Should you be near a natural body of water, opt for reef-safe sunscreen. This means that it’s not formulated with any chemicals like oxybenzone that can harm corals and marine life. Additionally, look for lightweight formulas that are less likely to sweat off. This way, you won’t have slippery sunscreen dripping into your eyes and onto your mat. Brands like Badger and Suntegrity offer lightweight reef-safe sunscreens that you can apply on the face and body.

Wear protective sunglasses

In line with the above, you also need to protect your eyes. Remember, outside of your skin, your eyes are the most-used organs. In the summertime, they’re vulnerable to UV rays that can cause corneal sunburns, blurred vision, and even retinal degradation, among other issues. With prolonged exposure, the sun can even trigger the development of serious eye conditions like cataracts. 

As such, it’s important for you to invest in the right sunglasses. Although wearing shades while working out may feel new to you, they can enhance visual comfort, making your practice more enjoyable. Since sunlight can be more harsh in the summer, use polarized sunglasses. As seen on retailer Eyebuydirect, these sunglasses can block out 100% UV rays while filtering out glare using a special lens coating. With this, you can enjoy improved visual acuity, and the glasses can come in a variety of styles, including cat eyes and wayfarers, to suit your personal style. However, since reflective surfaces (like the ocean) can amplify glare, you’re better off wearing a wraparound style that prevents light from seeping through and helps the shades stay in place.

Invest in a sweat-proof mat

Part of what makes Pilates so inclusive is that it doesn’t require a lot to get started. In fact, although Reformers and accessories, like bands and blocks, are great, you shouldn’t feel pressured into thinking they are musts to practice Pilates. In many cases, a mat can get you far into your Pilates practice, from beginner to advanced levels. This is why, in a previous post about creating a home gym, a dependable mat is among the items we recommend investing in.  

A good mat should be soft and supportive. This way, your joints and bones are well-cushioned. Since Pilates is rooted in intention, having a good mat can help you properly execute each move with the right posture, speed, and extension. Now, contrary to what some may think, Pilates can get you sweating just as much as cardio or weight training. As such, you want a mat that won’t get slippery with sweat, especially in the summer heat. For example, Popflex Active has a line of anti-slip vegan suede-topped mats. This has a velvety microfiber texture that improves grips, especially when wet. 

Article written by Tracey Craig