Swell Exercise: Proper Hydration

Want to know my secret to toned arms? Landscaping as a side job. Seriously. I pushed a wheelbarrow an accumulated 7 miles yesterday. Then, I went to work at my regular job. It was a long day, let me tell you, but I was able to get through it because my handsome husband brought me some Gatorade.

I've learned that when I'm exercising or working in the Summer heat I need more than plain water or iced tea - I need a sports drink to replace what I lose through perspiration. Does "perspiration" sound more feminine than "sweat", because really it's just sweat - my arms look great, but I raise them and... you get the picture.

We all know that hydration is important, but how much is enough? Well, according to Web MD....

If you are not running a race, "the rule of thumb is to drink 8 ounces of a sport drink or water possibly every 20 minutes," says Maharam, who advises the ING New York Marathon. No more, no less. "If you are exercising less than 40 minutes, water is fine, but for anything over 40 minutes, you want a sports drink that has sugar or salt in it because this helps you increase the fluid that goes into the body. Most sports drinks contain the equivalent of an "active pump" that gets more water into the body faster than the unassisted process - simple diffusion of water - would have.

So, if you are planning to get active in the heat this weekend, plan accordingly. The risks associated with dehydration are severe. And don't forget the sunscreen!

Note: I like the Gatorade G2 best. It's lower in calories.

Image credit: Gatorade.com

Swell Talk: Losing Weight, Meeting Goals, and Free Stuff!

Just a quick update..... Summer with the kids is a little distracting. Sorry!


*Due to sticking to my weekly running goal, I am now down 27 lbs. I started running in earnest (again) after barely completing what should have been a simple/easy/breezy 5K with my sister, Robin. I couldn't make myself run for very long - it was alarming. I checked my blood pressure, at the request of my good friend Scarlett, and found that I was edging into dangerous territory.

I made some easy changes to my diet and started with my 20 mile a week goal. I walked it until both my weight and blood pressure started dropping. Then, I stepped it up to 20 miles of running, which  is my current weekly goal. The running will never be easy for me, although some runs are easier than others, but I've found that it's really the only type of exercise that works this well for me.

I still have  a way to go, although skinny-mini is in no way my goal. I'm adding in a Pilates workout a few times a week and I lift weights 3 times a week.

*Losing weight has allowed me to dress in a wider variety of outfits - my clothes fit again. WooHoo! I enjoy dressing to make myself feel happy, but it does feel wonderful to hear compliments again.

*Today is the last day to take advantage of Victoria's Secret Free panty offer. The free panty is your choice of one of Lacie Thongs or one of the Pink All Lace Thongs. To qualify for the free offer, you need to purchase one of their push-up bras. 

*Big Beautyful Mess is running a giveaway. Do you like jewelry? Do you like diamond jewelry? You do? Then, this is the giveaway for you. Click here for full giveaway details. And good luck!

I hope you are enjoying your Summer, too!

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography