Importance of summer exercise

By Shelby Hancock |Asst. Sports Editor|

Summer is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the sun.

Is your body ready for the 100-degree weather, the long days in the sun and bathing suit season?

“[It’s] time to prepare the body for not only looking good in such few clothes, but preparing the body for the effects of the heat and sun,” according to boxingscene.com.

Three important components of keeping our bodies healthy and looking good this summer are exercise, high antioxidants and staying hydrated.

We all want to avoid body-shaming this summer; exercise will not only eliminate that, but will also give you the energy to do the fun things you want.

“Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

In turn, a better functioning cardio system results in more energy, improved muscle strength and boosted endurance.

Many other benefits accompany exercise such as reduced poor health conditions and diseases, improved mood, better sleep, and provide pleasure and enjoyment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The one benefit that may be useful for the summer season is toned muscles and reduced body fat.

“Exercise is also known to help contribute to a sense of confidence and well-being, thus possibly lowering rates of anxiety and depression,” according to healthline.com.

According to amazingwomenrock.com, 25 percent of Americans would like to shed 10 to 20 pounds this summer, while only 20 percent would like a promotion at work.

One of the most hazardous chemicals to our body are free radicals, which are produced many different ways, one of which is our skin’s reaction to sunlight.

The best protection we have against free agents are antioxidants.

High antioxidant foods are crucial in our diets and include fresh fruits and vegetables.

“They work by generously giving electrons to free radicals without turning into electron-scavenging substances themselves,” according to Harvard’s Nutrition Source.

When your skin is exposed to high ultraviolet (UV) rays, it can cause skin damage and sun burn.

The benefit of Astaxanthin,”has been shown to be one of the most powerful antioxidant combinations for helping protect the skin from reactive species of oxygen,” according to nutrex-hawaii.com.

Not only will you keep the doctor away, you’ll also be more protected from diseases like skin cancer.

The last summer prep component is staying hydrated.

The body benefits greatly from the intake of water, considering our body is comprised of 60 percent water.

Benefits of water greatly outweigh the costs it comes with such as constant trips to the bathroom.

According to boxingscene.com, water can help moisten skin, fight off heat exhaustion and dehydration and help the body cope with high summer temperatures.

“[Water] has become the second most popular drink (behind soft drinks),” according to webMD.

When your water intake doesn’t match that of your outtake you become dehydrated.

Outtake of water includes breathing, sweating, urinating and other bodily functions.

As you sit out by the pool in the 115-degree weather, it is important that as you sweat, you maintain your 60 percent water content.

Whether you have fun summer plans, or just hope to get some relaxing time, help prepare your body to have the best summer yet.