Summer | Kinetic Fix

Photo credit: ThrivePortland.com

I have a love/hate relationship with summer workouts.

Love? Longer days, runs at dusk with the smell of fresh-cut grass and dressing without fear of the wind chill factor.

Hate? Sunburns, jogging at a snail’s pace under the beating sun, dehydration, heat cramps and humidity.

Luckily, some of those things can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions (aka getting my butt out of bed earlier and slathering myself head-to-toe with sunscreen).

The others? Well, there’s no better excuse to get some fun, new gear to keep you from suffering through some strenuous outdoor activities in the summertime.

Here are a few of my recent favorites!

Dress to Impress

I love a good pair of yoga pants as much as the next gal, but sometimes summer just calls for bare legs. Keep your cool (without losing your dignity in some of those, ahem, ‘barely-there’ shorts) with Moving Comfort’s Sprint Tech Skort ($56), which comes complete with motivational quotes inside the lining to really get you going.

Peek-a-boo! Love the fun colors

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Go with the Flow

For up top, I’m a big fan of their Flow Crossback Tank ($58). As comfortable as it is cute, Moving Comfort really knocked it out of the park with this one. From the fun pop of color to the feminine ruching at the bust, this tank is not only done well design-wise, but it also has a built-in bra for support during both low- and high-impact activities.

Keep a Cool Head

When I want to get out and feel the burn (the good kind) while going pseudo-incognito, I grab my trusty Lululemon Run Hat ($32). The lightweight, moisture-wicking and adjustable cap makes it easy to shield your eyes from the sun and keep hair from going haywire.

Photo credit: Lululemon.com

Hydrate, Hands-free

Between hydration, energy gels, keys, cash, phone, music and whatever else you need, packing for a long run can spiral out of control quickly. Contain the madness with a Nathan Hydration Belt ($45). Equipped with easy-squeeze flasks, these belts offer lightweight storage, a chafe-free ride, and easy one-handed access to hydration and other running essentials.

Photo credit: NathanSports.com

Keep Your Balance

Finally, smart sports hydration takes more than just H2O. Keep from knocking your system too far out of whack by consistently sipping an electrolyte replacement, such as Nuun Active Hydration Tablets ($24 for a four-pack), which contain a quick-absorbing mix of salts and sugars that can alleviate cramps and help muscles function, communicate and burn energy efficiently. Stay cool out there!

Photo credit: REI.com

Thanks to the folks at Moving Comfort for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own.

The couple that paddles together…
Photo credit: Marco Garcia for The New York Times

If you’re concerned about summer’s heat causing a slump in your fitness routine, there’s a workout that will have you getting fit while having fun under the sun: Stand-Up Paddleboarding, or “SUP” for short.

There’s a reason it’s the fastest-growing water sport in the world, poised to overtake kayaking and canoeing: It’s so much fun, it’s borderline addictive.

After debuting in Hawaii nearly a decade ago, paddleboarding spread quickly up and down both coasts here on the mainland before landing as a summertime staple in the lakes of the Midwest, as well.

And although it’s roots are in surfing, the sport is known as a more beginner-friendly way for people of all ages and abilities to ease into getting comfortable on a board in water.

It’s also an awesome workout – one that not only engages major arm, leg and core muscles, but also tests your balance and activates secondary stabilizing muscles for a full-body challenge.

Average calorie burn ranges from 500-1,000 calories per hour, which is another reason for the recent explosion in popularity of this super-efficient, low-impact, joint-friendly activity.

An action shot of paddleboarding instructor Cody White
Photo credit: MensFitness.com

Undoubtedly, the paddleboarding craze has also been propelled by a host of celebrity devotees who have been photographed trying their hand at it in various destinations round the world (Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Rihanna, Kate Hudson and Cindy Crawford, to name a few).

According to experts, it takes about an hour to learn the basics, so whether you’re testing the waters on vacation or venturing to a local body of water to give it a shot, the odds are good that you’ll be up and paddling like a pro in no time.

Interested in learning more? REI provides a terrific overview of stand-up paddleboarding basics here, including necessary gear and techniques for getting started, along with instructional videos and helpful FAQ’s for beginners poised to take their maiden paddle voyage this season.