Disclosure: This is a paid post sponsored by BODYARMOR LYTE in conjunction with the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. All thoughts, opinions, and quirks are mine alone.
Almost 15 months ago, I started exercising every day. I have not missed a day. It’s become my #1 priority and the one thing I plan my day around. Over the course of that 15 months, I have really learned a lot about my preferences when it comes to exercise and working out. Number 1, I really dislike exercising indoors. Like, I really really dislike exercising indoors. It makes me sad and depressed. This is pretty funny to me because, before this point, I hated the outdoors. You know, there’s the sun, bugs, dirt, and sweat. No thank you!
Living in the desert and exercising outside can get a little tricky in the summer. It’s the end of May and today’s high temp was 107 degrees F for example. To beat the heat, we got up early and had our walk done by 7:45 am. Way before those 100+ temps decided to show up. I’ve developed my list of essentials for outdoor activities during the summer. There will come a time where it is just too hot to be outside during the day, but for now, I’m taking full advantage of the outdoors.
Top 5 Essentials for Outdoor Summertime Activities
- BODYARMOR LYTE: Let’s start with the newest tool in my arsenal. BODYARMOR LYTE is a low calorie, naturally flavored and naturally sweetened sports drink. It’s meant to get you rehydrated after exercising, sports, and other physical activities. BODYARMOR LYTE has electrolytes to help rehydrate you plus coconut water and a boost of vitamins. At only 20 calories per 8 oz serving, it’s a great option for me. It tastes amazing too!
I have only been drinking water, so I wondered if maybe I was a bit biased in how good the flavor was. My palate is much changed since eliminating artificial sweeteners from my diet. I had my husband try it too, so I could get his opinion. He regularly drinks soda so I thought he’d be a good counterpoint to my opinion. He loved it too! He said it was the best tasting sports drink he’s ever had and I totally agree. Peach Mango was my favorite but I really liked Cherry Berry too.
- Stainless steel, insulated tumbler – I don’t actually carry one when I exercise because they’re on the heavier side. However, I always have ice cold water waiting for me when I get back to my car. It’s a must. They can vary greatly in price but I can tell you that mine only cost about $10 and it does a great job. I am never without my tumbler.
- Sunglasses – This is kind of a no-brainer but sunglasses are a necessity for spending time outdoors. Not only does it make life more comfortable, it is actually protecting your eyes from damage. Be sure to get glasses that have UV protection.
- Cooling towel – I’m not sure the exact science behind them, it might just be magic. You get the cooling towel wet and it keeps you cool for a long period of time as the water evaporates. Whatever the cooling towel is made from is super absorbent so you don’t get soaking wet. It just cools you as it slowly dries. This is another necessity. I like to tie mine around my head like a headband. My head gets really hot and keeping my head cool, makes the rest of me feel nice and cool.
- Squirt gun – Ok, so this is a kind of strange one. Schools out and so that means the kids are exercising with me. Squirt guns keep everyone cool and they’re lots of fun. Just one more little trick to keep the kids engaged and not complaining while we’re out exercising.
Before you start your next workout, grab some BODYARMOR-LYTE. The BODYARMOR website has an easy to use product finder to tell you exactly where to find BODYARMOR products. In the Phoenix area, I noticed that Fry’s, Target, CVS, QuikTrip, and a bunch of other stores carried it.
You can also connect with BODYARMOR on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
What’s your favorite way to get outside and get your workouts in during the summer? I’m always looking for new activities to try. So far I love walking and hiking. Leave me a comment, I’d love to hear about your workout routine!
Lisa says
I so agree with having all these top 5 outdoor essentials for summertime. I like to hike and ride my bike and I keep plenty of water on hand. Great post.
Nikki says
I’ve been hearing lots of great things about BODYARMOR lately. I didn’t know they made a LYTE version, that’s good to know! I love your squirt gun idea. My son and I play with them a lot during the summer. They’re fun and keep us cool, plus we’re being active running away from each other!
Tiffany Haywood says
Staying hydrated is so important during the summer. It’s so shocking at times how fast a hot summer day and the sun can steal your huydration in such a short amount of time…
Ali Rost says
I have such a hard time handling the heat, and am definitely going to look for a cooling towel. My favorite it walking and biking. Every afternoon I head out for a long walk and listen to podcasts. It’s amazing how many ideas pop into my head when it’s just me and the open trail. I haven’t heard of the Body Armor drinks, but will definitely keep an eye out for them at our grocery x
Jeanette says
I need to try the street! I am exercising every other day at this point but I’m thinking of upping that and this drink would help!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I love Bodyarmor. It keeps me hydrated, and it’s not totally boring like regular water. I can’t drink regular water.
Kara says
My boys discovered Body Armor a few years ago and love it! They drink it during all of their sports.
Loriann Cargill Bustos says
You really need these tips in the AZ heat!
Neva says
Great ideas for summer exercising with children! Going to have to try BodyArmor!
Janice says
I love your list! Planning to exercise every day is a great idea. You can’t really talk yourself out of it as easily. No pushing it off! Great idea!
candy says
Those cooling towels are magical. I have no idea what they are made of, never read the tag don’t care all I know is they work.
ricci says
I haven’t heard of these drinks before this post but now I feel like I need them!! It’s SO DANG HOT right now and so exercising outdoors, while fun, usually results in me feeling drained for HOURS after.
Vanessa Coppola says
It’s 120 degrees right now, I need ALL these tips in my life!
Joely Smith says
Yummy! Peach and Mango are my fav flavors so the mix sounds good. Hydration is SO important – all year long! I need to try this drink!
Jennifer Van Huss says
Hydration is so important. Especially when outside in the hot sun for extended periods of time. I have never heard of this drink but it sounds fabulous!
Eileen | yesmissy.com says
Great list of summer essentials. Keeping hydrated is so important!
Jeni says
BodyArmor Lyte is awesome. Such a great way to stay hydrated when you are on the go. Sunglasses are a must for summer’s here in Texas.
Marysa says
Those are great essentials for summertime. My kids are done with school at the end of the week, so I need to get prepared!
Dogvills says
These are great ideas for exercising outdoors. I also don’t like working out at home.
Oyinkan Ogunleye says
I’m not one to use sports drinks. I usually rely on water for my workouts. This is a good suggestion.
Tara says
These are great tips! We will have to grab some next time we are at the store!
Misty Nelson Dawn says
What great tips for summer activity and it’s important to keep hydrated during this summer.
Emily says
It is so so important to stay hydrated in summer! I love the idea of a cooling towel, I have never heard of that before but really want to check it out.