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Yesterday I went on a bit of a skate…at 9:00 in the morning. And if you’ve never been to Texas, let me tell you that it was soupy. When we started, my car was registering 92 degrees and the air was extremely sticky. But. I was meeting a derby friend and the boys were looking forward to getting outside.

So we met up at a local hike & bike (and skate!) trail that was absolutely gorgeous. We loaded the kids into the strollers (thank goodness she has a tandem), and padded up.

We were off…and dripping. I kid you not, it was so hot and muggy that I felt like I was breathing water. Thankfully, I planned ahead…kind of. There are some things I would do differently next time knowing what I know now. Of course, knowing what I know now, I’d probably skate at 5:00 a.m.

That aside, I know I’m not the only one who loves to get outside and be active. And if you have workout plans this summer, I hope these tips will help you as much as they will help me!

Hydrate

If you know you have workout plans that involve being in the heat, you need to hydrate. And you need to do it the day before. I’m a huge fan of my 64 ounce Hydro Flask. For my purposes, I try to drink two full Flasks a day, and that helps to make sure I’m hydrated when I need to be.

In case you need more motivation, remember that water helps to keep your body temperature stable and lubricates your joints. Additionally, if you’re dehydrated, you won’t perform at your peak.

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And, be sure to pack water for everyone before you leave the house. That includes your kids! Make sure you bring more water than you think you will need. Just trust me on this one. Adding ice is always a nice touch since it will melt quickly in the heat and become water (obviously).

Sunscreen

I am a sunscreen addict, and I’m not ashamed of that. I suffer from something called Vitaligo which means that I lose pigment in my skin resulting in white spots all over my face and body. It also means that I scar more easily…not something I want.

So. I make sure that I apply my Beautycounter moisturizer every.single.morning to my face. And for my body, I use a natural sunscreen, also from Beautycounter. It makes it so much faster to just spray myself down and know that I’m covered, even if I’m sweating buckets.

I use my DIY sunscreen on the kiddos and it works beautifully. I have pasty babies and I want them to stay pasty (burnt does not become them).

And, even though I turn beet red when I exercise, I know I’m safe from sunburn (even if I look like I got a bit much sun right after my workouts). Also, make sure you reapply every 90 minutes or so! Remember that sunscreen is not a “one and done” thing.

Use a Sport Towel or Headband (or Both!)

Yesterday I was sweating SO.MUCH. We are talking buckets, y’all. And because I was borrowing a stroller (I cannot fit my bike trailer/double stroller in my vehicle), I didn’t have my handy yoga towel. And, because I’m smart, I forgot my wicking headband, which also helps keep sweat from dripping in my eyes.

Because that happens and it’s painful! Because I forgot my towel and headband, I ended up using my shirt…which was also sweaty and not nearly as effective as I would have liked.

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…speaking of shirts…

Wear Breathable Clothing

I absolutely love my MPG Sport Nanoz Mesh Tank, which breathes and wicks sweat. Plus, because the back of the tank is mesh, you get a nice breeze without baring everything. I also love that the length on the back covers my “assets”, so I’m not quite so self-conscious.

And, because I have extra booty coverage, I wear my Electron Fitted Short, which helps to keep everything in without making me feel like I’m a sausage. I’m still not at my goal weight, so that is super important to me. Plus, with an 8-inch inseam, I don’t feel like I’m showing off too much. I am a mom, after all!

A Water Resistant Activity Tracker

I am currently in love with my Polar a360 watch, but any activity tracker will work (I just love that my Polar links to my scale!). Just make sure that it is actually waterproof or water resistant. Most are, but some are not, as I discovered years ago when I was testing a few of them.

Bring Snacks

If you’re planning on being out for awhile, make sure you pack plenty of snacks that are shelf (and heat) stable. Yesterday, I brought the following for myself and the kids:

• IsaSnacks
• Clif Energy Gel
• Almonds
• Dried Fruit
• Organic Honey Waffles
• GU Chews
• Replenish

If you use these simple tips, you’ll be in great shape (and avoid sweat dripping in your eyes):

1. Drink plenty of water
2. Apply (and reapply) sunscreen
3. Use a wicking headband and/or sport towel
4. Wear breathable clothing
5. Use a water resistant activity tracker
6. Bring snacks that won’t spoil or melt

You’ll be far better off than I was yesterday, and you’ll help avoid many of the scary issues that come from exercising in the heat, such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn.

What are some of your favorite summer workout plans?