I sweat.

All the time.

Actually almost all the time; the refrigerated section at CostCo can take the glisten away in one quick breath.

The perspiration starts with my coffee in the morning, continues in my exercising, and even dictates what I wear for the day.  It’s become a running joke with my bible study sisters — they know I wear sleeveless shirts, otherwise I’ll be left with wet rings under my shirt four inches deep. 

So when summer hits with its 95 degree temperature and 95% Houston humidity, I define “hot mess.”  The back of my hairline is always wet and my bras need frequent washing.  Clothes worn only once are thrown in the hamper with few exceptions.  Now that I’m headed out each day with my dog Grace, I’ve had to up my game to avoid skin issues, dehydration, and overall fatigue.

I thought it might be worth passing along my personal summer must-haves.  These certainly are not a comprehensive list, but they are great tools to help accomplish my outdoor exercise goals.

4 Summer Necessities for Exercising Outdoors

 1. Body Glide 

This is my number one necessity.  It rolls on like deodorant and protects skin from chafing.  Without it, my inner thighs become tender and raw.  Summer exacerbates this issue because of the salt released with sweat, which increases irritation.  Lately I’ve had to apply this on my upper triceps.  I guess my swinging arms wanted to prove they are working, too.  

2. Skirt Sports  

I LOVE Skirt Sports.  Love, love, love. I adore the products even more.  The fabric resists odor better than any product I’ve tried, and they have pockets for my phone (or dog treats) hidden under the skirt.  

The pocket is strong enough to hold pay iPhone while displaying my very impressive gymnastics skills.  Plus, the “shorties” (think biker shorts) help protect my inner thighs.  I still need the Glide, thank you muscular legs, but don’t have to apply as much. 

(You can read more about my relationship with Skirt Sports in this article. In summary: I’m am ambassador, which means I receive a discount and get to give you one as well. Use code SSA50Amy for 15% off your order thru 12-31-19.)

3. Sweat Towel 

Because stinging eyeballs is no fun.  And since we have an overabundance of gnats in my area, I tend to look like Pig-Pen when walking.  Bonus use for sweat towel – shooing them away!

4. Electrolyte Supplements 

While my general nutrition philosophy is to get the nutrients I need directly from my food sources, I need assistance in this area.  Here is a short article on Livestrong.com that discusses their components and function.  

After a long summer walk or run, I end up with headaches and pee concentrated enough for a science experiment.   I replenish these electrolytes using one of two products:

Nuun Hydration. These effervescent-like tablets have a formulated mix of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium (the four electrolytes). At 10 calories and 1 g sugar, they do the job without breaking the calorie and sugar bank.

LyteBalance. Two capfuls of Lyte Balance mixed with fluids get me feeling normal again.  Lyte Balance is a pure, liquid electrolyte concentrate that contains no sweeteners, calories, preservatives, flavorings or caffeine.  Here’s what the nutrition label looks like:

I’ll be honest, the taste resembles salt water but when diluted with flavored water, I hardly notice.  My favorite way to flavor my water is using True Lemon drop-ins.  This brand is naturally sweetened with Stevia, which I realize is a conversation of its own. But if it’s between Stevia-free grouchy mommy and pleasantly balanced, Stevia-infused mommy, I choose door number two.

Many electrolyte supplements exist.   This weekend I was having this conversation with two other people and both need the same assistance but use different products.  You just have to figure out what works for you.

Sometimes, the effort level to go for a run or walk is exasperating.  I mean, really, is all this necessary?  For me in summertime Houston, yes.  Take me to the mountains and it’s a different story.  But I finally resigned myself to taking these steps so I can still exercise outside and function the rest of the day. 

 Your essentials may be the same or different, or maybe something here will be the magic ingredient for you to get out and get moving more.  What are your must-haves?  What about your barriers?  Write your comments below or on this post on the GracedHealth Facebook page.