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Tips For Exercising in the Humidity

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

Some people really enjoy working out in the heat under the summer sun. The weather is inspiring as are the other people outside exercising in the heat with you. There is plenty to look at too.

Warm weather is wonderful, but you've got to be careful when the temperature and humidity levels get too high. Here are some tips when exercising in the humidity:

Check the heat-index level. This is the number that takes into consideration the temperature and the humidity to determine how hot it actually feels outside. Check out the chart below - If you are exercising and the temp is 85°F and rising, and the humidity is 65% or more, you could be in danger of heatstroke.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration caused by excessive sweating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Drink fluids before, during, and after exercise even if you don't feel thirsty. Make sure to pack a water bottle with you while you're out - I like to fill mine with tons of ice and a little water. I put some cubes in my mouth and in my sports bra, and I make sure to take sips of ice water every 5-10 minutes.

To see the other important tips

Sunscreen Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Just to see if you all have been paying attention, I have a few questions about sunscreen for you. It is kind of like a "pop" quiz, but really it is a Fit quiz.

Source

Get in Gear: Bolle Sport Sunglasses

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Sunglasses are a must anytime of year, but especially in the summer when we spend so much time outdoors. If you run, hike, bike, or spend time on the water, you need a pair that will stay on your face even if you're sweaty, wearing sunscreen, or it's windy.

I found a line from Bolle called Serpent - it's a wrap around style so they fit snug against your face. They also have non-slip thermogrip material on the ends by your ears that prevents them from slipping off, and the same rubbery material on the nose pads. You can choose to have polarized lenses or not, but all the lenses are made of polycarbonate. This means they are lightweight, thin, offer UV protection, are durable and scratch-resistant.

This Serpent style comes in many different color combinations, so if you don't like the ones shown, you can choose a different variation. While I think most polarized sunglasses are overpriced, but you can get a pair of these from Bolle for under $100.

Alba: Sunscreen That Actually Smells Good

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Since my sunscreen from last year expired, I had to pick up another bottle. I happened to be at the health food store and saw the Alba Sunscreen on sale, so it peaked my interest. I'm not a huge fan of how sunscreen usually smells, but when I took a whiff, it actually smelled wonderful. It had a light, refreshing, floral scent, which must have been from the lavender, chamomile, and calendula I saw in the list of ingredients.

I bought some of the Green Tea SPF 30, which is part of their Hawaiian line, made from tropical botanicals, green tea antioxidants, and aloe vera. It's perfect for wearing everyday - not greasy at all, and soaked instantly into my skin, leaving it soft and smelling sweet. You can even go in the water with it on, and it'll keep protecting you for up to 40 minutes.

It worked perfectly while in the sun for 3 hours, and my skin felt soft all day. I'd definitely pick some of this up if you're looking for a new sunscreen that smells great and is also paraben and cruelty-free. Look for it in the beauty section of your health food store or you can order it online from Alternative Outfitters for $8.95.

Fit's Tips: Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it every 2 hours.

What's the Deal with: Polarized Sunglasses

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Spending a lot of time outside is a MUST in the summer (with sunscreen, of course!), and wearing sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to the development of cataracts.

Personally, I love to be near the water, on a boat or a beach, or poolside, and the water can make a killer bright glare when the sun reflects off of it.

If the glare bothers you (how could it not?), then you'll want to get a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. These are great at getting rid of the glare, making your vision clear and crisp when you look through them. They act as a filter to absorb the light waves. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the deal - just because sunglasses say they are "polarized" doesn't mean they protect you any better from the sun's harmful UV rays. Also, especially dark or expensive sunglasses aren't necessarily better either. Make sure they say that they provide 100% protection. Polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV rays, but others have a chemical coating on them, kind of like sunscreen. These from Revo are polarized and offer maximum protection from UV and infrared rays. They are also scratch and impact resistant - not bad for $89.97.

Fit's Tips: Just be aware - some people get headaches when they wear sunglasses with polarized lenses.

I Crave the Sun: Sunrise Toaster

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 16:30:00 -0800

It's a wonder how we survive the winter with limited sunlight. The sun provides us with vitamin D and gives us hope that spring is just around the corner.

For those living in northern climes, in cities, or lacking windows to the outside world, it is easy to be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

But now you can have your sun and eat it too. Really.

Check out Sunrise. It's a wall mounted toaster that represents the sun. While bread is toasting, light shines from the toaster. The light is brightest when the toast is ready to eat.

What a great combo: Artificial sunlight and delicious toast. I feel toasty just thinking about it. Unfortunately it's only a conceptual idea at the moment and is not yet available.

Know Your A, B, C's: Vitamin D

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 03:00:00 -0800

There are so many vitamins out there it is hard to keep track of what does what.

Are you getting enough Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is used by the body in the absorption of calcium. It also helps to maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. After exposure to the sun (ultraviolet-B), your body produces Vitamin D. Most people can get all their Vitamin D from the sun but you can also get it from foods. Vitamin D is found in foods like dairy, fish, fortified cereals, egg yolk and dark leafy vegetables. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to Osteoporosis, so if you are not getting enough through the sun and foods, you may want to supplement. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is 5–10 mcg or 200–400 units.

*1 cup of Vitamin D Milk has 25% of most people's daily value of Vitamin D.

Hey, at least now you know why your parents always made you finish your milk

Fit's Tip: 5-10 minutes of sun, 3 times a week, is all the time your body needs to produce the required amount of Vitamin D. You shouldn't go out and get a sunburn, but how about sitting outside somewhere on a park bench? That way you can get your Vitamin D and people watch.