7 outdoor workout essentials you need for class

2022-06-10 22:54:04 By : Ms. Kelly Tian

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As the weather warms and the hours of daylight stretch into the evening, you may be considering taking some outdoor workout classes. From yoga to HIIT, many different types of guided workouts can help you get flexible and strong under the summer sun. But taking a class outside the studio or gym requires some extra preparation. Before heading outdoors to get your sweat on, reach for these seven essentials.

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Getting your sweat on in the sun means you’ll need to remind yourself to stay hydrated. Luckily, our best water bottle, the Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle, makes it easy to keep the water you tote to every workout cold as ice for up to 24 hours. It has a filter to remove chlorine, which contributes to funky tastes and odors. Additionally, its mouth is wide enough to accommodate ice cubes for extra-cold sips. It’s a must-have for any outdoor workout class.

Get the Brita Stainless Steel Premium Filtering Water Bottle from Amazon for $30

Wick away sweat with ease with PackTowl’s Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel, which is the smaller size of one of the best beach towels we’ve tested. It can soak up to four times its weight and it dries quickly. Plus it weighs less than 1 ounce dry, making it a highly sought-after piece of gear for your gym bag. 

Get the PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel from Amazon for $10

Outdoor workout classes often take place on uneven or hard terrain, but a good yoga mat can make ground-based exercise more comfortable. The best yoga mat you can find is The Mat 5mm from lululemon. Made of non-skid polyurethane and textured natural rubber, this mat provides great grip on both sides as well as an ideal balance of cushion and firmness for comfort and support. It also rolls up tightly, making it easy to tote to your workout of choice.

Get The Mat from lululemon starting at $94

► Related: Want to exercise outdoors? Here's what you need to do to stay safe

► More: 10 things that make outdoor yoga much easier

When spending any time outside, make sure to protect your skin with sunscreen. For a mineral sunscreen minus the whitecast, try the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. Packed with soothing niacinamide and vitamin E, hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating lactic acid, this sunscreen helps your skin look its best while protecting it from UV rays. Plus, Reviewed beauty editor Jessica Kasparian promises this sunscreen leaves zero trace on your skin. 

For a good full-body option, try the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 50, which has 4.5 stars and more than 26,000 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say this mineral sunscreen feels thick but applies smoothly and soaks into the skin quickly for a lightweight finish.

Protect your visage from the sun and beads of sweat with a lightweight hat. The Adidas Superlite Performance Hat is a well-reviewed option with 4.7 stars and more than 10,600 reviews on Amazon. It comes in multiple colors such as white, black, red and blue. Reviewers say it’s lightweight and well-ventilated to keep the head cool, and stays in place throughout workouts. 

Get the Adidas Superlite Performance Hat from Amazon starting at $11

For lightweight gear that’s functional and fashionable, consider hitting up Athleta. The Salutation Stash Pocket II 7-inch Short in women’s sizes is supportive and comfortable through sweaty workouts, according to reviewers. As for a corresponding top, give the Breezy Tank a go. Reviewers say this top is breathable and soft for hot days.

For a great pair of shorts in men’s sizes, try the Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts from lululemon. They come in 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch inseams so you can choose whatever length is most flattering and comfortable for you, and reviewers say these shorts are lightweight and feel high quality. For a top in men’s sizes that will keep you feeling cool and fresh, consider the Huckberry Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee. This shirt feels soft and breathable, and thanks to its merino wool-nylon blend, wards off odor for the promised 72 hours—a feat that impressed our reviewer who took it on multiple sweaty hikes without washing it in between.

Make traveling to and from class easier with our favorite gym bag. The Nike One Club bag has plenty of organization, including side pockets for smaller items, a vented compartment for shoes and a bungee cord to strap a yoga mat to the bag. This bag is comfortable to carry and its recycled polyester material repels water and dirt, making it great for outdoor classes.

Get the Nike One Club from Nike for $65

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