Summer has officially arrived! Icy roads and less daylight may be in the rearview mirror, but there are a few things you should know before you head out on your ElliptiGO bike. We want to make sure you’re feeling confident and prepared for a safe and fun summer riding season. We’re dishing on our favorite advice and accessories that will help you GO happy and healthy all season long!
Hydrate
Between the summer temps on the rise and the epic cardio workout you’ll be getting on your ElliptiGO bike, sweat is definitely in the forecast. Proper hydration will ensure you can enjoy longer rides, climb bigger hills and hit bigger goals! According to the Mayo Clinic, “The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is:
- About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men
- About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
These recommendations cover fluids from water, other beverages, and food. About 20% of daily fluid intake usually comes from food and the rest from drinks.” They say, “If you do any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to cover the fluid loss. It’s important to drink water before, during, and after a workout.”
For easy on-the-GO hydration, install an ElliptiGO Water Bottle Cage to your bike. Be sure to add in electrolytes too. We like Nuun, Tailwind, or Laird Superfoods Hydrate!
Protect your skin
Exercising outdoors has incredible benefits for your body, but it’s essential to protect your skin from harmful rays when you do. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that, “A high UV index means that unprotected skin will burn faster or more severely. Be careful, especially when the sun is strongest. But even when the index is low, the risk remains. Protect yourself every day of the year.”
Always use sunscreen and consider wearing sun-shielding clothing, making sure you’re only feeling the burn in your muscles. Accessories like the UPF fabric ElliptiGO BUFF neck gaiter or ElliptiGO Short Finger Gloves can help you cover up!
Stay cool
Keeping your body temperature down can help you stay in it to win it during a summer ride! The Mayo Clinic says that, “Both the exercise itself and the air temperature and humidity can increase your core body temperature. To help cool itself, your body sends more blood to circulate through your skin. This leaves less blood for your muscles, which in turn increases your heart rate. If the humidity also is high, your body faces added stress because sweat doesn’t readily evaporate from your skin.”
Try scheduling time to work out in your calendar for early mornings or in the evenings when the sun is lower in the sky. Cooling towels and moisture-wicking clothing can also help you chill out. Need a little extra breeze? Consider adding a neck fan, choose a riding location with plenty of shade or near a body of water!
Check the weather
Be prepared for the conditions of your next ride. Using smartphone apps like Apple Weather or the Weather Channel, you can look at some key data points: temperature, humidity, UV Index, and wind speeds.
Understanding the forecast will help you know how much water or nutrition to bring and what clothing to choose. Heat isn’t the only thing to look out for. Summer rain, thunder and lightning storms are common in many places, and it may be safer and more pleasant to ride inside on your Fluid 365 Trainer!
Dry off
It’s the sweatiest time of the year. While perspiration is a great sign that you crushed some calories, it may also mean you’re epically stinky and sticky!
Protect your car seats from moisture and odor with the ElliptiGO Transition Towel and Seat Wrap. It’s also handy for changing into a dry set of clothes discreetly and easily wherever you might be!
Listen to your body
It’s great to have all the gear and data before you hit the road or trail, but the best tool you have for staying riding-ready this summer is one you already have. Before and during your ride, check-in with yourself!
Are you feeling energized and alert? Are you feeling healthy and strong? What is your goal for this ride – to conquer a tough workout or simply enjoy the scenery? Doing a simple scan of how your body is feeling can help you know when it’s time to rest or to keep on GOing!
Have a great summer riding tip we didn’t mention here? Tell us about your favorite hacks for happy riding this time of year in the comments!