I’m a triathlete, half-marathoner, intramural sport loving amateur athlete. It’s the physical challenge of pushing myself to my limit that keeps me wanting more. It was two years ago, when I started incorporating a mental challenge into my fitness regime. Yoga. I remember my first yoga class like it was just yesterday. “I’m an athlete, yoga is just stretching, it’s going to be easy.”

Summer is almost over (sigh) but there is still a whole month left of beach opportunities. I have put together my absolute beach essentials list for you. Of course, you’ll have to remember your swimsuit on your own! Go grab your beach bag and make sure to include these awesome essentials.

Welcome to summer, friends! Are you frying in the heat yet? My family has already gone through five bottles of sunscreen so far this year. We all know it’s important to keep our skin protected, but what if you aren’t too keen on slathering bottle after bottle of sunscreen head-to-toe every time you go outside? Luckily, a lot of fitness companies are catching on and actually making gear that protects you from the sun. If you are fair-skinned or burn easily, you know that “regular” clothes don’t always do the trick. Here are a few of my favorite sun-blocking workout tops for women that’ll keep you stylish and protected. Don’t forget you still need to cover your exposed skin with your favorite sunscreen.