My summertime workout essentials - perfect for lunch hour exercise

This post is sponsored by Degree Women but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

The temps are really getting up there, but my summer workout routine has been heating up more than the 90 degree temperatures we’ve been seeing! To keep things cooler, I have a list of several workout essentials I keep on hand during the summer. As I’ve mentioned before, in order to get my run or workout in, I do a lot of lunchtime workouts. There are other things I would love to get done during my lunch hour (like eating pizza), but in order to save my sanity, I’ve been committing myself to fitness. I have several things I keep in my bag and use on a daily basis: good running shoes, my running clothes, sunscreen, BIC band and Degree’s UltraClear Black+White Dry Spray.

Shoes: I’ve gone as far as keeping an extra (older) pair of shoes in my car, just in case I forget them at home. I even keep an extra pair of socks in my bag now – just ask me how many times I’ve changed clothes and realized I didn’t have socks. 🙂

BIC Bands: I discovered BIC bands a few years ago and I LOVE them. They keep my hair out of my face, and my hair doesn’t look as messy after a longer run if I have it pulled off my sweaty forehead. Trust me on these.

Sunscreen: I tend to run outside during lunch – peak sun time. I can’t say enough of about keeping sunscreen in my bag.

Degree’s UltraClear Black + White Dry Spray deodorant: During the warmer months, I wear a lot of dresses, and I really prefer darker colors (I’m comfortable in these dresses, and they’re a little more forgiving in darker colors.) It can be annoying when deodorant leaves white marks on your darker clothing. I also can’t go without deodorant when my options are exercising in a warm fitness center or going for a long run outdoors. Degree’s UltraClear Black + White Dry Spray deodorant helps prevent white marks on darker clothes (think black and navy) and it also prevents yellow stains on your white shirts/dresses! It also provides up to 48-hour protection against wetness and odor. I’m all about fewer stains on my clothes.

Running clothes: Obviously I need good workout clothes for mid-day! I’ve written about my SparkleSkirts before, but I also have to remember a good tank top and sports bra.

Because of my schedule, I don’t have time to shower after running during lunchtime. Despite that, all of the items I’ve listed help me not look like a hot sweaty mess when I return. Exhibit A:

This photo was taken after I’d changed back into my black Carly dress after I had run in the fitness center. Now, I don’t generally do more than 40 minutes of exercise, but I can still get pretty sweaty. (BIC Bands help keep my hair back. Degree UltraClear Black + White Dry Spray Deo helps me feel dry.)

You can easily find Degree UltraClear Black + White Dry Spray at Walmart.