6 Accessories You Need Before Exercising in the Sun

By , SparkPeople Blogger

Unfortunately, you can't "roll-over" workouts like you can phone minutes. To stay in shape, lose weight or maintain weight, you have to do the work and do the work often. This can mean swims in chilly water, walks in snow flurries or runs, bike rides and outdoor yoga sessions in the high humidity and heat of summer.

While you can't predict the weather, you can prepare for it. When the heat and stickiness of summer threaten to put a damper on your outdoor workout, fight back with the right attire and accessories to keep you cool.

Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Booney II Sun Hat (starting at $24.47)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Summer is a great time to explore all that nature has to offer, and hiking is a great way to get in exercise while taking some time to discover the road less traveled. As the days get longer (and hotter), though, you're going to want to make sure you have your head, face and neck protected from the elements.

This hat from Columbia does double-duty, protecting you from the sun with its wide brim and built-in SPF 50. Its sweat-wicking band and mesh vents will keep your head nice and cool throughout the day, as well.

Hydrosleeve Hands-Free Armband Hydration Pack ($38.97)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

A new way to hydrate during a long walk, bike ride, hike or run, this hands-free bottle attaches to your arm and holds 7.5 ounces of fluid that stays cool thanks to its therma-cool insulator. Just move your arm up toward your mouth and bite down on the angled valve to dispense water. The band can be used on either arm and features a slosh-proof bladder that is BPA- and PVC-free. Plus, the entire package comes with two bladders, two valves and one armband, so you'll have backups if needed.

Thirty 48 Ultralight Athletic Running Socks (starting at $9.98)


Photo courtesy of Amazon

Keep your feet cool when the weather is scorching with a pair of Thirty 48 ultralight running socks. With no seams to annoy you while you run, walk, hike or bike, these socks also promise to fit according to your foot anatomy, so they won’t slide around either. Moisture-wicking, lightweight mesh material keeps your feet from overheating and sweating too much. Available in six colors and with a pull tab at the ankle for easily putting them on and taking them off, these will become your go-to summer workout socks.

Sun Bum Baby Bum Sunscreen ($12.76)


Photo courtesy of Amazon

Don't let the title fool you: Baby Bum sunscreen by Sun Bum is great for anyone, particularly those with sensitive skin. Cover every inch of exposed skin while exercising outdoors with this SPF 30 lotion to avoid having sunburn ruin your evening plans. Hypoallergenic, pediatrician-approved, paraben-free and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, you can lather up and sweat it out for a full hour without having to reapply or worry about a reaction. This sun lotion is also not tested on animals and will not harm the ocean reefs.

COOLOO Headbands ($7.99)


Photo courtesy of Amazon

These headbands from COOLOO come two to a pack, so you can always have one in the wash and one ready for your workout. Available in four different color combinations, the headbands are made of a material that is soft, stretchy, sweat-absorbing, breathable and quick-drying. They are machine washable and come with a 12-month guarantee that you're going to love.

Solemates Blister Blocker ($12.99)


Photo courtesy of Amazon

The wetter and sweatier your feet are, the more likely you are to suffer from painful foot or ankle blisters due to friction created from your shoes or socks rubbing against your skin. Prevent the blisters before they start with Solemates Blister Blocker. The non-greasy, chemical-free balm glides on smoothly and is safe and gentle to use. It won't leave any residue on your feet, shoes or socks, so feel free to use with abandon and with one less worry as you head outdoors for summer fun.

What accessory do you swear by during the summer?

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