Summer Fitness Essentials — Everything You Need To Get In Shape During These Hot And Humid Months (As Seen On CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin”)
When it comes to fitness, there’s no such thing as a summer break — no matter the season, we all need to stay active and keep our bodies moving and grooving. But, when the temperatures reach triple digits, exercising brings its own set of challenges — particularly if you’re fond of outdoor sports and activities like trail running, soccer, volleyball, hiking, and paddle boarding. I stopped by CBS Austin’s “We Are Austin” today to chat about some of the products every gal needs to look and feel comfortable, optimize her athletic performance, and stay cool and hydrated during even the most intense sweat sessions. Check out the segment above or click here to view — and keep reading for the scoop on all the goodies shown on air!
Protect Skin During Outdoor Workouts With NeoStrata’s Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50
By now, we all know sunscreen isn’t optional — and if you’re taking your workout outdoors, where you’ll have the sun’s rays beating down on you, it’s all the more essential to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Still, finding the right sunscreen for your face — one that won’t feel too sweaty, that won’t leave behind a chalky cast, and which won’t lead to breakouts — can seem daunting. Luckily, I’ve got the perfect pick for you: the NeoStrata Sheer Physical Protection SPF 50 ($37 at NeoStrata.com).
Why do I love this sunscreen? Well, for starters, it has a really fluid and lightweight texture, and it boasts a sheer tint that’s flattering on all skin types. Second, the sunscreen gives skin a matte finish, so you won’t look shiny and greasy (another side effect of so many sunscreens!). Third — and this is key when we’re talking about a great sunscreen for those with active lifestyles — this sunscreen is sweat-proof so that it won’t rub off or trickle into your eyes, leaving them burning and temporarily blind you (I’ve had this happen with countless other sunscreens and it is beyond unpleasant). And, if like me, you want to prevent visible aging signs, you’ll swoon over the skin-loving ingredients in the formula – among them green tea extract, lactobionic acid, and vitamin E — which protect skin against free radicals and keep the complexion looking youthful and smooth.
Power Through Your Workout With The Help of SweatWELLth
In the last few years, we’ve seen more beauty brands turning their attention to the needs of fitness-minded wellness enthusiasts, unveiling products designed to become gym bag staples: from sweat-proof tinted moisturizes and waterproof mascaras to refreshing body sprays, detoxifying dry shampoos, and tinted lip balms with SPF protection. But no brand has zoomed in on the needs of active men and women and addressed those with as much precision and panache as sweatWELLth. The up-and-coming brand specializes in personal care products designed to prepare you for your workout, optimize your performance, and enhance your cool down time.
Before getting that heart pumping and those feet moving, for instance, you can apply the No Sweat Pre-Workout Hydrating Spray ($25 at sweatWELLth.com), a refreshing spray formulated with hydrating coconut oil and skin-softening rice extract, as well as corn starch to absorb wetness so that you’re not weighed down by your own sweat. The alcohol-, paraben-, sulfate-, and silicone-free formula keeps skin moisturized and cool and, by preventing sweat from sopping your clothes, it ensures you feel agile throughout your jogging session, cardio dance class, or hiking excursion.
If you don’t have time to hit the shower after a gym session, you can freshen up while on the go with the Power Shower Post-Workout Cleansing Spray ($25 at sweatWELLth.com), a spray that contains coconut oil and antibacterial agents that kick dirt and oil to the curb. To use, you just hold the can about 6 inches away from the skin and spray, then wipe off with a towel. Your skin will feel clean and soft, and it will have a zesty fragrance with hints of bergamot, oak moss, and lush greens.
But perhaps my favorite products are those that address very specific problems that arise during workouts. The Friction Free Anti-Chafing Spray ($18 at sweatWELLth.com), for instance, can be applied to inner thighs and underarms to create a much-needed barrier and prevent any rubbing that could lead to irritation. Not only is this product handy when jogging and hiking, but you can also use it outside of the gym to avoid any painful thigh rubbing. If, for instance, you’re wearing teeny cut-off shorts, you can spritz this along your inner thighs and prevent a rash from emerging. Another genius product is the Awesome Chalk Ultra Grip Spray ($18 at sweatWELLth.com). When you spray it onto the palms of your hands, it leaves a light layer of chalk that allows you to better grip any dumbbells you might be lifting or kettlebells you plan on swinging, In addition to a more solid grip, the chalk spray will help to prevent any blisters and tears — a common nuisance for those of us who regularly hit the weight room.
Detox Sweaty, Dirty, Oily Skin and Hair Post-Workout With SheaMoisture’s New Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal Purify & Hydrate Collection
The new SheaMoisture Green Coconut and Activated Charcoal Purify & Hydrate Collection is perfect for detoxifying the skin and hair after a vigorous workout. The expansive collection includes products for the hair, body, and face — all formulated with activated charcoal, which acts like a sponge to draw out dirt and impurities from deep inside pores and is known to absorb 1000 times its weight in impurities, and with green coconut, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that replenish lost moisture.
After a sweaty workout, I love applying the Green Coconut & Activated Charcoal In-Shower Mask ($12.99 at ULTA stores and ULTA.com) since it absorbs any excess oil while also pulling out any toxins inside pores. After washing my face in the shower, I simply apply the mask to my face and move on to continue my shower routine. The mask adheres to the skin and stays put as you go about your business (shaving, scrubbing your legs, etc.) and, after five minutes, you can rinse it right off and your skin will be left feeling clean and refreshed but still feeling hydrated and soft thanks to the green coconut in the formula.
And, whether I use the mask or not, I complete my post-workout skincare regimen by massaging the Moisturizing Jelly Cream ($12.99 at ULTA stores and ULTA.com) onto my clean face, thereby giving it a dose of lightweight hydration. This innovative cream has a memory gel texture and it helps the skin maintain its optimal moisture balance so that your face never feels dry and tight or greasy and shiny.
Keep Feet Smelling Fresh With Arm & Hammer’s New Invisible Sprays
Gym sneakers can go from that fresh leather scent to that rotten onion funk fast — particularly when you’re working out in the heat and sweating more than usual!
To keep your tootsies smelling fresh no matter how grueling your workout, you can spray the new Arm & Hammer Invisible Foot Spray Powder ($6.99 at Walmart) to your feet before putting on socks and shoes. The talc-free formula goes on completely clear, so you won’t have to worry about any white mess that could stain shoes or clothes, plus it contains a unique Sweat Activated Fresh Guard technology to keep feet smelling pleasant, and Arm& Hammer baking soda and odor-neutralizing ingredients that absorb moisture and sweat.
If you sweat profusely from head to toe, you can go beyond deodorant and take preventative measures that will ensure you feel and smell fresh all day long with the Invisible Body Spray Powder ($6.99 at Walmart), which also goes on clear and contains that Sweat Activated Fresh Guard Technology and those moisture-absorbent and odor-neutralizing ingredients.
But what if your sneakers are already smelling a bit ripe? Well, you can rectify the situation with the Arm & Hammer Shoe Refresher Spray ($4.99 at Walmart), which eliminates shoe odors on contact and has a targeted actuator that sprays in any direction — including upside down — so you can access hard-to-reach areas.
Support Your Immune System with The Probiogen Women’s Vitality Probiotics
Countless studies have conclusively shown that a strong immune system starts with a healthy gut — in fact, the gastrointestinal tract houses 70 to 80% of your immune tissue. Now, there are trillions of microorganisms in the digestive system, and they play an important role within our inner ecosystem — the key, then, is to have a proper balance of gut flora (good-for-you bacteria). Factors like a poor diet, pollution, and antibiotics can all led to an imbalanced gut and that, in turn, can compromise our immune system.
To maintain the healthy bacteria (or microflora) integral to a properly functioning gut — and hence a robust immune system — it’s important to take a daily probiotic in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The Probiogen Women’s Vitality ($36.95 at Probiogen.com) is my probiotic of choice since it contains microbes that support digestive and immune health, as well as nutrients like cranberry extract, which protects against urinary tract infections and which contains antioxidants that combat inflammation and ward off harmful bacteria.
As with all Probiogen products, the Women’s Vitality supplements contain a Smart Spore Technology that allows CFUs (colony-forming units) to survive and thrive in the gut 100 times better than other leading probiotic and yogurt brands. Why is this important? Well, many probiotic brands feature labels that boast about containing up to 200+ billion CFUS and yet these figures are tabulated when the supplements are manufactured, so there’s no evidence that they make it all the way to the gut when ingested. In fact, many CFUs don’t survive the journey through the gastric system, rendering many of these probiotics less effective than advertised. In contrast, Probiogen’s formulas feature CFUs that have been clinically-proven to survive in harsh conditions (think stomach acid) and, moreover, to thrive therein.
Another advantage: unlike other brands, Probiogen’s probiotics don’t contain gluten, soy, sugar, dairy, salt, or GMOs.
Stock Up On Stylish Sports Bras For Full-Figured Femmes At CurvyCouture.com
Finding a comfortable, flattering, supportive, stylish sports bra shouldn’t be a difficult feat — particularly nowadays, when the athleisure movement has gone mainstream! And yet, to this day, full-figured women can have a hard time finding sports bras that fit them properly, offer the necessary support (particularly for high-impact exercise), and are chic enough to merit constant wear. That’s where Curvy Couture comes in — the label has really chic and performance-oriented sports bra styles in sizes 38C through 46H, all made using a moisture-wicking fabric and featuring breathable mesh panels.
When you visit CurvyCouture.com, you can find tons of options including the Curvy Couture Confident Fit Wire Free Sports Bra, ($68 at CurvyCouture.com) Bra, which offers maximum support and boasts molded contour cups engineered with zone compression to support high-impact activities. The pop of neon orange along the straps, meanwhile, gives the sports bra a playful attitude.
Other great options include the Zip Fit Underwire Sports Bra ($44 at CurvyCouture.com), shown above in black, which features a convenient zip-front closure and adjustable front straps, and the Ultimate Fit Underwire Sports Bra ($68 at CurvyCouture.com), which features full-coverage, no-bounce cups, and an underwire for e additional support and lift
Pick Up All The Fitness Equipment And Accessories You Need At JCPenney
Don’t want to spend hours going from one store to the next in search of all your fitness needs? Well, luckily, JCPenney has everything you need to get into shape this summer. Need new dumbbells or kettlebells? They’ve got some! Treadmills and step machines? They’ve got those too. Resistance bands and foam rollers? Yes and yes. Yoga mats and blocks? Absolutely.
You can visit JCPenney stores or log onto JCPenney.com and pick up items like the non-slip, latex-free, reversible Gaiam Kaleidsocope Yoga Mat pictured above ($34.99 at JCPenney.com), which has a 6mm thickness to give your joints the cushioning they need as you transition from one pose to the next. To stay hydrated when on the elliptical or during a hot yoga class, you can grab the Gaiam 20 oz. Sure Grip Water Bottle ($14.99 at JCPenney.com), which is comprised of a 20 oz. glass vessel that keeps your H2O cool and is itself encased in a protective and grippy silicone sleeve to prevent you from dropping the water bottle once your palms get a little sweaty (and to protect the bottle from shattering should it wind up hitting the floor).
And, if you’re a runner or cyclist, you’ll love the Tzumi Sport Series Wireless Ear Buds ($24.99 at JCPenney.com) since they won’t get tangled as you move, they’re Bluetooth-enabled, and they have a built-in microphone so you can answer any pressing incoming calls and handy volume controls.
Keep Your Cool — Literally — With Mission’s HydroActive MAX Instant Cooling Towels
When you’re active, your body temperature naturally rises. When you’re active in triple-digit temperatures, chances are your body temperature won’t just rise — it will sky rocket. To keep your body from overheating — whether you’re running, playing golf, or sneaking in a game of volleyball or tennis — make sure to pack the Mission HydroActive MAX Instant Cooling Towel ($19.99 at Academy Sports & Outdoor stores and Mission.com).
This insanely clever towel is made of a soft, lightweight, breathable fabric that cools down instantly when wet. To activate it, you just wet the towel, wring it, and snap it. Within seconds, the towel will cool down to 30 degrees below your average body temperature, providing you with some much-needed relief. The cooling effect lasts up to 2 hours, so it’s the perfect companion for any outdoor athletic endeavor. And, once the towel is no longer cool, you can simply re-wet it and reactivate it. How great is that?
In addition to its cooling powers, this towel offers UPF 50 protection, blocking up to 98% of UV rays. Plus, it’s chemical-free and it’s machine washable so you can use your towel all summer long. Win!
Keep It Pretty All Through Your Cardio Session With Sweat Cosmetics
You might roll your eyes at the idea of wearing makeup to the gym but we’re not talking layers and layers of foundation, bronzer, eye shadow, and lipstick here! Oftentimes, women just want a hint of coverage when they head outside — whether they’re hitting a Pilates class or running errands. After all, we may have some redness we wish to conceal or a breakout we want to subtly camouflage, right? So, if the idea of going completely bare-faced sends a shiver up and down your spine, fear not: Sweat Cosmetics specializes in practical makeup solutions for active women, formulas that will soothe the skin and which won’t sweat right off or wind up clogging pores.
The Sweat Cosmetics Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 30 ($42 at SweatCosmetics.com) provides light to medium coverage, and it contains skin-loving, antioxidant-rich ingredients like milk thistle, vitamin E, and golden root, which help the skin fight off environmental stressors and retain moisture. The mineral foundation contains zinc oxide rather than any harsh chemical sunscreens, and the formula is light and breathable, plus it’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And, since it comes in a portable twist-up tube with a handy brush-on applicator, you can toss it inside your gym bag and reapply as often as needed.
twist brush that provides light coverage for women on the go.
The Mineral Foundation powder combines makeup, skincare, and sunscreen in a convenient, tactical-grip twist brush for light to medium coverage that protects and repairs active skin. The breathable, dermatologist-approved formulation won’t clog pores and is packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and vitamin E. The mineral foundation is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The dermatologist-approved mineral powder comes in four shades, and it’s free of oils, silicones, artificial fragrances, and gluten.
And, if you want to highlight your features or give your countenance an all-over radiance, you can reach for the Sweat Cosmetics Gleam On Mineral Illuminator SPF 25 ($42 at SweatCosmetics.com), which also features zinc oxide, milk thistle, golden root, and vitamin E to protect and strengthen the skin. Sweep the highlighter along your cheekbones or collarbones for a gilded glow or brush all over your face for a sun-kissed luminosity.
