Pure Pride - Staying Fit and Staying Safe in Honor of the U.S. Olympic Team

With the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics, citizens all over the country are flying their flags high and coming together to support America's athletes. Patriotic pride takes many forms, and staying fit by participating in outdoor athletics is an excellent way to show your support for the men and women in red, white and blue. Whether you and your team are gearing up for a gold medal, or simply heading out for some extra exercise, making sure your body has access to all the healthy nutrition it needs is essential for summertime safety. Beyond hydrating with plenty of water, most physical fitness experts recommend the following for outdoor activity: Dress lightly. Shorts and a t-shirt may be fine for a stroll in the park, but gearing up with the right garb can make a tremendous difference in how your body manages heat. Seek out thin, breathable fabrics in light colors to help your body stay cool. Stretch. Adequate stretching before any exercise not only helps your body feel better during the workout, it also helps prevent cramping and aids in recovery. Stay limber. Drink the right fluids. Your body needs more than just plain water to recover from strenuous exercise – especially in warm weather. Studies show that using clinically tested sports drinks to replace electrolytes during physical activity, or within fifteen minutes of an exercise period, can help your body retain necessary water and improve physical condition. Recover. You may think the workout’s over when you leave the field, but proper recovery is one of the most important parts of healthy exercise. Support your sport with a post-game recovery shake that will help your body recover and rebuild exerted muscles. You’ll feel better the next morning, and you’ll look better if you stick with it.