Why is it that we workout?  To maintain a healthy body weight, promote a well-rounded wellness lifestyle, and of course, to sweat.  It’s too often that we come across people who want to sweat less.  Sweat is a beautiful thing.  And, want to know a fun fact?  The most fit people actually sweat more.

People who exercise regularly tend to start sweating sooner into a work out, and sweat more during.  Why?  Because their bodies are better acclimated to the process of cooling themselves down by sweating.  So, they sweat sooner, and sometimes more, to maintain their bodies’ core temperatures. 

Sweating doesn’t just work as an awesome form of A/C for our bodies either.  Here’s just a few of the many benefits your reaping when you sweat it out during your workout. 

Clears Skin

Sometimes, we get confused and blame a sweaty workout for skin imperfections.  While it’s super important to rinse your face and not let sweat sit on your skin after a workout, the act of sweating itself actually helps you zap zits.  This is because it’s ridding your body of toxins, some of which are acne causing.  So, when we sweat them out and wash them off, we can say goodbye to breakouts.

And, not to mention, getting your blood flowing during a workout improves your skin’s natural glow.

Boosts Endorphins

Prolonged periods of sweating in the gym produces an increase in your endorphins.  Otherwise known as, the “Feel Good” hormone.  Endorphins relieve pain and boost our mood.  So, while you may be feeling a little sore after an intense workout, you’ll notice that some regular aches and pains subside. 

And, endorphins increase our feeling of general well-being, hence boosting our mood.  Endorphins are one of our hormones that help make us happy, so what we’re getting at here, is that sweat and happiness just go hand in hand.

Prevents Colds

Exercising and sweating regularly decreases your chance of catching that nasty cold that seems to get around every September.  That’s because sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective in fighting off different viruses.  So, by sweating it out, your keeping that cold away.  Not to mention, regular exercise helps support a strong immune system.

So, next time you hit the gym, hopefully all the benefits of sweating during a workout will drive you to have your sweatiest session yet.

We all love to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather.  And, what better way to do so than exercising outside?  It’s so great to be good to our bodies, and enjoy the outdoors all at once.  While a sunset jog and outdoor yoga are both awesome, here’s a few fresh ideas that we have on our list of outdoor exercises for the summer.

Fitness Scavenger Hunt

Honestly, this isn’t as tricky as it sounds.  And, trust us, it doesn’t require nearly as much planning as you think either.  You can make up as little as three rules, and those rules can be super simple.  Like any scavenger hunt, you find something, and then do something.  See, easy.  So, one of your rules can be find a bench, and each time you find a bench, do 12 chair dips.

Grab your friends and get everyone in on the fitness scavenger hunt.  Because the only thing better than enjoying some endorphins under the summer sun, is doing so with your friends, too.

Paddle Board

Just add water to enjoy this relaxing, yet still rigorous workout.  Stand up paddle boarding is great for your core, your balance, and honestly a great way to get some serenity out on the water.  You can paddle board in a pond, lake, or the ocean (but, psst, little pro tip, it is definitely much harder in the ocean with the different currents and waves).  Paddle boarding’s at the top of our list because we love when a good workout also becomes a great hobby.  It’s so much less fun when exercising just feels like another job.

And, another plus side, they now make paddle boards that fold down to the size of a lounge chair.  So, compact car?  No problem.

Run a Race

Signing up and training for some sort of race during the summer is really fun.  The term “race” being used pretty loosely here, because it really doesn’t matter how fast you run, or even walk.  It’s honestly just really rewarding to finish something you’ve signed up for.  Not to mention, the money from most races goes towards a good cause.  So, find an organization you care about and see if they put on some sort of 5k walk or half marathon.

Volunteer

The most rewarding way to get outside and work out is to get outside and volunteer!  There are so many volunteering opportunities that get your body moving.  Walk dogs at the local animal shelter, plant a community garden, organize a neighborhood clean-up day.  This is probably our favorite, fresh way to sweat it out under the summer sun.  Not only are you being good to your body, but your being good to your community, too.

So, whether it’s renting a paddle board, or seeking out some shelters in your community, try to take your workout with you this summer.  Because you don’t need to confine yourself to the gym when you’ve got the whole world and some sunshine all in your corner.

One of our favorite things about summer is all the fresh ingredients that flourish this time of year.  Whether it’s an at home garden, or a local farmer’s market, we love to take advantage of the natural foods available around us.

And because we’re feeling so inspired, we thought we’d bring you some refreshing summer salad recipes to keep you feeling energized through your fun-filled days.

So, here are two of our favorite superfood salads that are easy for anyone to make at home.  And, psst, these salads are just as good for your skin as they are for your taste buds.

Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is packed with all the nutrients you need.  Kale’s high in fiber, blueberries are high in antioxidants, and quinoa’s high in protein.  It also has avocado and almonds, both sources of the good fats you need to fuel your body throughout the day.  And not to mention, avocado, kale, and blueberries are among some of the best foods for your skin.

So, here’s all you need to make this healthy summer snack:

•      Blueberries
•      Quinoa
•      Kale
•      Avocado
•      Almonds
•      Goat Cheese
•      Lemon Juice
•      Olive Oil

And, it’s so easy to make.  Just cook your quinoa and let it cool, remove the kale leaves from the thick stalk, and slice your avocado.  Then, mix it all together and you’ve got a summer salad that will nourish both you and your skin.

Pomegranate Broccoli Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranate are also some of the best foods for your skin.  Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, all important for good skin health.  Pomegranate helps hydrate skin, and also combats breakouts and inflammation.  So, after eating this salad, both your stomach and your complexion will be thanking you.

Here’s what you need:

•      Sweet Potatoes
•      Broccoli
•      Pomegranate
•      Olive Oil
•      Salt & Pepper
•      Sprouts
•      Mixed Nuts
•      Balsamic Vinegar

This summer salad takes a little bit longer than the last, just because the potatoes need to roast in the oven after being chopped and brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper.  But we promise, it’s worth the short wait.  Once the potatoes are tender, after baking from anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to toss together your ingredients and enjoy.

What we like most about these summer salads, other than the fact that they’re so awesome for our skin, is that they’re simple.  You can play around with them, adding and changing different ingredients to make the superfood salad you like best.  And, since they’re so easy, they make the perfect side dish or starter to bring to a summer barbeque.

So, if you want to show off those chef skills, then try one of these superfood salads this summer.