Summer is the season for wellness!
From early morning yoga flows to poolside afternoons, summer and wellness go hand in hand, especially here in Southern California. But even though being outside and soaking up long summer days is great for your mental and physical health, the heat can really drain your energy if you’re not intentional about staying cool, hydrated, and balanced—especially if you’re active like me. I teach yoga primarily outdoors, and have battled the elements many times (over a decade) while teaching fitness classes on hot beaches and in direct sunlight on Oahu, in San Diego, and currently in Palm Springs. I always set up my students to be as comfortable as possible (facing away from the sun, ideally in the shade), but that often means I have to sacrifice myself a little (depending on the space I’m working in) to take the brunt of the sun’s rays.
This means that over the years I’ve gotten religious about finding the best tools out there to battle sun exposure and the heat. My fellow outdoor fitness instructors: these are absolute MUST-HAVES. Because you still want to be able to actually go out and enjoy the sunny days—just safely! And it can be done, with some key tools. So I’ve pulled together my list of the top 5 wellness staples that keep me feeling my best when working out and teaching in. Here are my go-to summer essentials to help you beat the heat while still soaking up every golden moment:
1. Use Face Sunscreen
If you know me, you know my ride or die product is sunscreen. I have it with me always. I’m borderline obsessive about it. It’s SO important to wear sunscreen every day (re-applied every two hours or after sweating + swimming), even if you aren’t going to be in the sun that long. You’d be surprised by how much ambient sun damage you’re exposed to from driving or being near a window. Wearing face sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer. It’s one of the simplest daily habits to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and resilient for the long haul!
I love Coola‘s sunscreens for face and body, and I also always have a bottle of the Isle of Paradise Daily Defense Face Mist SPF 50 in my backpack. It’s a face spray, which makes it so much easier to reapply sunscreen throughout the day over makeup! It’s basically a no-excuse sunscreen that keeps skin protected and hydrated, no matter how long I’m out teaching or running around in the sun. You can buy it from Sephora, one of my favorite go-to stores when I need to stock up on sunscreen!
2. Wear Lightweight Long-Sleeved Shirts
I really prefer to wear long sleeved shirts rather than having to constantly apply sunscreen throughout the day (and honestly, when you’re working out in places like the beach that have sand and dirt, sunscreen feels gross real fast). It just makes sense—with the right shirt, of course. Too thick of material or a shirt that doesn’t breathe can create a sauna situation, especially if you’re being active outdoors.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of lululemon’s Swiftly Tech long-sleeved lightweight shirts for women for when I’m teaching outdoor yoga classes. They have a super flattering cut and are lightweight + breathable enough to wear in 100 degree heat (I do it often), while providing sun protection. I’ve looked a lot of activewear to try to find similarly designed long-sleeved tops for women, and none are actually cute AND functional like the Swiftly Tech shirts. Also, it should go without saying, but: always always also wear a hat!
3. Replenish Electrolytes
When it’s hot (or you’re sweating through a few sun salutations), plain water doesn’t always cut it. You need to refuel your electrolytes. An electrolyte is a mineral (including sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium) that carries an electric charge and helps regulate important processes in your body. They help your muscles fire properly, keep hydration levels steady, and even support mood + energy. Honestly, supplementing with electrolytes can make the difference between feeling sick and feeling strong when you’ve been sweating a lot.
I SWEAR by SaltStick electrolytes to help with hydration, muscle cramps, and even recovery. They’re so convenient because they’re electrolytes you can chew as-is—no water or messy mixing needed. I keep them in my backpack with me at all times. When I feel lightheaded from too much heat, I chew a couple of these and I swear it’s an almost instant relief. I love SaltStick in particular for electrolytes because they’re easy, portable, and taste great (they even make some that have caffeine)!
4. Use a Thermal Phone Sleeve
» Image Source: Rolling Stone «
This is one you’ve probably never heard of, but it’s a product that will change your life (especially my fellow fitness instructors): a thermal phone sleeve! This one from Phoozy is a unique product that was featured on SharkTank and is absolutely genius. The sleeve holds your phone and keeps it from overheating (or getting too cold), and is also waterproof and floats. It’s made for active outdoor adventures out of NASA technology!
I use this to keep my phone from overheating and shutting down when I’m outside to teach yoga. When I’m teaching, it’s often essential that I have a working phone to be able to coordinate with clients, play music, and take photos. If my phone overheats, it may not cool off before my class ends—disaster! This sleeve is also perfect to take with you to the pool or while hiking on a hot day.
5. Cool Off With a Handheld Fan
When there’s not an ocean breeze in sight, create your own with a mini handheld portable fan! Using a fan helps speed up the evaporation of sweat, which is your body’s natural way of cooling down. It can make hot days feel way more bearable by lowering the temperature on your skin and keeping you from overheating. It’s truly an unsung wellness hero when the heat gets unbearable.
I never leave the house without my mini portable handheld fan—it’s tiny, rechargeable, and surprisingly powerful. Did I mention it also doubles as a phone charger and flashlight?! Whether I’m teaching yoga, going to a music festival, or just out running errands, it’s a total game changer to have. Honestly, it’s one of those little summer hacks you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. I even prop my fan up on my spin bike to give me a nice cooling breeze while I Peloton.
With the right tools, it’s easy to beat the summer heat. Sun exposure is easy to ignore, but has powerful effects on our health. Remember that these heat-fighting essentials are about more than just stopping a little sweat—they ensure your wellness stays in check after long days in the sun. Because when your body overheats, it has to work overtime just to keep you functioning—which can drain your energy, mess with hydration levels, and impact your mood and focus. Staying cool isn’t just about comfort; it’s key for protecting your heart, muscles, and overall vitality so you can keep feeling your best all summer long.
With a few small swaps, you can have fun and feel like your most badass self while you get active outdoors—no matter how high the temps climb. Have a great summer! ☀️