Can you hear it? The sound of spectacular firework shows and sizzling barbecues can only signify one thing – it’s almost summertime. And, while the only requirements for an epic summer vacation are a healthy sense of adventure and a positive attitude, the right gear can help make a good sunny summer adventure great.

1. Jerseys

A cycling-specific jersey not only looks cooler than a standard cotton T-shirt, it actually is cooler. A tight fit and sophisticated fabric help to wick the sweat away from your skin, improving both comfort and performance. Reach for a sleeveless jersey for those days in the Spinning® studio, or check out a pair of sun sleeves to protect your arms from those harmful UV rays.

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2. Sunscreen

Long summer days mean long hours exposed to the sun, and while your first line of defense should be to cover up with clothing or plan your workout around the sun, some UV contact is inevitable. When shopping for a sunscreen, avoid the spray bottles and reach for something containing zinc oxide, keeping in mind that even products that claim to be “water resistant” will still need to be reapplied after heavy sweating or swimming. Don’t pay extra for anything that claims to have an SPF value above 50—research has shown that SPF protection tops out at 30-50 SPF.

3. Sunglasses

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, throwing on a pair of shades before you head outdoors is about more than looking cool. It’s an essential safety precaution. Athletes should look for sunglasses made of polycarbonate lenses, which, in addition to blocking 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays, are lightweight and shatterproof. Consider a pair of glasses that features interchangeable lenses—the different colors will allow you to perform at your best in a variety of light conditions, without the added expense or hassle of multiple frames.

4. Water Bottles

While an ice cold beer may be appealing on a hot day, nothing hydrates better than good old H2O. Although what we drink during periods of high activity is important, it is our habits during the rest of the day that make a difference. Find a high-quality reusable bottle and get into the habit of carrying it with you everywhere you’ll go – you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to drink more water when it’s always available. Be sure that your bottle is BPA free, and that it has a mouth wide enough to accommodate ice easily.

5. Heart Rate Monitors

Whether in Spinning class or cycling outdoors this summer, if you want to lose weight and get fit, a heart rate monitor allows you to watch and control the proper level of your heart rate to achieve that goal. If your heart beat rate is too high or too low, the body doesn’t burn calories as efficiently as it does when the heartbeat rate is elevated to just 75-85% of its maximum rate. A monitor is a valuable tool so you can see what your rate is and where to keep it for the most benefit.

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