Four Summer Shape Up Essentials

Aw, summer time. That breezy, easy time of wearing shorts, spending lots of time outdoors, and being able to do activities to get fit and shape up.  Winter zaps my motivation and causes me to want to curl up inside beside a heater.  In the summer I like to spend time swimming, gardening, hiking, and whatever gets me out of the house.  Because I like to be prepared, I keep a small bag in my trunk with my “summer shape up essentials.”   I know there are plenty of other items that could be included, but these are my basics.

pool 2
Summer is my favorite time to exercise!

1. Sneakers–My family has a habit of seeing somewhere they would love to stop and walk when we are driving, especially on a day trip. The kids have yelled, “Let’s Stop here!” at out of the way trails I swear should have been named Tick Haven, USA.  Since I usually have on flip flops or sandals. keeping a pair of sneakers on hand is ideal for those impromptu walks.
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2. Water Bottle–Purchasing bottled water can become pricey. Keeping a water bottle means I can stay hydrated on those impromptu hikes and save money. It’s a total win-win situation.  Also, if you fly a lot, many airports now have special water fountains only for refilling water bottles.  Let’s face it; airport prices are expensive.
water bottle

3.  Hair Ties— I have long hair and it weighs me down in the summer. I don’t always want to wear a pony tail, so having a hair tie on hand helps with those impromptu exercise sessions.
Balance Bars

4. Balance Bare Bars-– Sometimes I am hungry on the go. Rather than stopping for fast food, which can add up in a hurry and isn’t the healthiest choice, I pick up these energy bars at Walmart. Made with simple ingredients; they are  Non-GMO, gluten free and soy free. Plus, they come in tempting flavors like Sea Salt Caramel Nut, Sweet and Spicy Nut and Mixed Berry Nut, perfect for an afternoon pick me up.

What do you have in your summer essentials bag?

17 Comments

  1. I never seem to have any hair ties around my house! I should really go get another pack for myself. And pick up some of those bars as well, they look good!

  2. I have to have a good pair of shoes and sunscreen. A water bottle is always in my purse and usually a few granola bars.

  3. Hair ties and lots of water here too. I can’t seem to keep myself as hydrated as I need go be. It’s tough!

  4. I need to seriously need to get back in shape. Maybe I’ll try these bars.

  5. I also have hair ties ready to be used at any time needed. Summer can really make you realize you have sweat glands in parts of your body you never knew of. LOL. Like you, I stock up on energy bars. I have one or two in my purse, and some more in my drawers at work. They really give you that boost of energy to get you through the day.

  6. My family loves to walk a lot, too. I have learned my lesson and always kept a pair of sneakers in the car.

  7. Summertime is my least favorite time to exercise, but these things do make it better, especially the hair ties! I double mine up and use two at a time for a stronger hold and so my thick hair doesn’t break them.

  8. Water bottles are most certainly important. The only way to stay fit and shape up is to stay hydrated while working hard.

  9. In my summer essentials bag is water bottles, misting fan, bananas, package of not salt added peanuts and camera.

  10. I would love to try those bars. I also like to workout in the summer! I’m more motivated.

  11. Those are great pointers. I have not seen these bars yet, they sounds great for on the go!

  12. Summer is a great time to exercise because you can spend more time outdoors. I love that photo of the pool and would definitely get some exercise in there.

  13. I’d like to have a water bottle with me all the time so I don’t go for long periods without water. Having some energy bars like those would be great for trips!

  14. I always have a pony available! The bars look great. Very nutty and appetizing.

  15. I have all of these plus good ear buds for my workouts. And workout clothes. I have extra workout clothes in my car just in case I can squeeze in exercise during lunch.

  16. I always have water, some sort of moisturiser, hair bands and a cooling spray as I over heat like crazy! x

  17. Robin (Masshole Mommy)

    I always keep a pair of sneakers in my trunk. You never know when you will need them.