No Sweat: Post-Workout Skin & Hair Hacks

(image via: vogue.com)

We’re big believers that a good ‘ol morning workout will get you energized and feeling great for the day to come. And while there’s nothing better than a serious sweat sesh to lift your mood, if you’re headed to work or class after the studio, you may leave feeling like a hot mess.

But what if we told you it didn’t have to end that way? Believe it or not, it’s actually pretty simple to hide the evidence of your sweaty morning with a few easy hacks.

Want to learn more? We thought so! Read on for tips and tricks to look squeaky clean – without washing up at all.  

Keep Strands Dry

Greasy locks got you down? We feel ya. Pick up some dry shampoo for a quick fix. Simply spray the roots of your hair with your go-to dry shampoo (we love Klorane’s) and brush through your locks to disperse the product throughout. It’ll help soak up oil and leave hair looking fresh and voluminous. For extra help, opt for a hairline braid.

Wipe it All Away  

For a quick and easy post-workout refresh, opt for some facial wipes! Simply swipe one over your face (or body!) after a workout to keep skin clean, hydrated, and ready for the day. The best part? Our favorite wipes are not only refreshing (hello, cucumber!), but they also leave skin glowing, too.  

Say Yes to Spritz

After wiping your skin, spritz your body with a lightweight (and lightly-scented!) body mist. This one not only smells yummy, but it also helps hydrate the skin. The shower fresh fragrance does wonders for the senses.

Tie It Up

When putting hair up in a ponytail, use a ring that won’t leave a dent in your locks. These strand saviors will leave hair looking as good as it did post-workout- trust us!

Makeup & Go  

There’s nothing worse than applying makeup post-gym and having it melt off your face in an instant. We love a good waterproof mascara – it’ll stay on all day, even when you’re still a little sweaty. Next, opt for a BB cream – they offer just the right amount of coverage without clogging your pores. This one not only absorbs fast, but it’s oil free, too. Finish with a lightweight lip gloss and go!

Last but definitely not least, we’re always on the hunt for mini versions of our fave beauty products. They’re easy to stash in a gym bag and keep things simple when you’re pressed for time.

And there you have it – the easiest ways to look put-together after getting your sweat on. Do you have any post-workout beauty hacks you swear by? We’d love to hear them!

To Eat, Or Not To Eat?

To eat or not to eat…that is the question! Or rather, that’s the question Heather asked ActivewearUSA Magazine readers this month in her featured article, "Am I Really Hungry?"

We’ve* been lucky to have Heather on-hand to dish out fitness advice on the regular---how many members took advantage of the complimentary fitness consultations she's offered in the past, or heard her speak on panels at the various charity events she’s hosted?

(*Everyone at Pilates Platinum, including all of our members from all 4 studios!)

If you’ve been missing out, fear not!! 

Thanks to the growing popularity of fitness and wellness websites and blogs, (Yay pilatesplatinum.blogspot.com!!) trainer tips and tricks, and health and wellness advice from Heather and fitness ambassadors all over the country, are available for everyone at just a click of a button.

Click on over to Activewear USA and enjoy their latest and greatest article called, “Am I Really Hungry?”

Heather shares, “Knowing about how our body works will help up make the right decision when it comes to what and how much to eat before and after workouts.”

Everyone is unique. Every body is different.

Learn what your “magic number” is, and stay on track!

Body Issue: Sweat It Out Without the Worry

Nothing makes our day better than a good sweat session. You know what they say: “Sweat is magic. Cover yourself with it daily and all of your dreams will come true.” Sounds good to us!

Sweating is so good for you-- it rids the body of toxins (by flushing out substances like alcohol, cholesterol and salt), it improves blood flow and digestion, and without this built-in ventilation system our body wouldn’t be able to function. Our favorite benefit of sweating? It boosts your endorphins!

Breaking a sweat everyday is our motto, but we also know how to keep it cool. It’s nice to stay dry (and pit-stain free!) when you need to. We’ve rounded a list of amazing products to help do just that.

Before you read about our favorite underarm protectors, here’s a cheat sheet of some underarm terms so you know what type of product your body may need.

Helpful terms:

Deodorant = masks the smell

(ingredients like triclosan control bacteria that cause the BO smell)

Antiperspirant = keeps sweat glands from perspiring

(aluminum salt in antiperspirants prevents sweat)

Clinical-Strength formulas = for sweet issues that need special attention

(prescription options deliver maximum odor and wetness protection)

Botox = injections which disable armpits’ sweat glands

(FDA approved injections of botulinum toxin A for severe cases) 

(photo from Lorna Jane)

Sweat it out without the worry!

Best products for heavy sweat sessions,

and for staying dry and fresh under stress:

1. Clinique Roll-On antiperspirant-deodorant ($12, link to buy here)

This is a high-performance, non-staining odor and wetness protector. Rolls on easily and dries quickly. If you haven’t tried a roll-on before, you’ll love the application!

2. Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel antiperspirant-deodorant gel ($8, link to buy here)

This light-weight gel goes on quick and wet without leaving any residue. No chalkiness left to stain your clothes. It’s perfect to wear with tight-fitting workout clothes and keeps you sweat (and odor) free.

Best product for post-workout wear, 

normal daily activity, and for sensitive skin:

1. Dr. Hauschika Deodorant Fresh ($23, link to buy here)

This all-natural formula uses witch hazel and sage extracts to absorb odor without clogging pores. A fresh citrus scent from pure essential oils is calming and the natural ingredients are perfect for delicate skin.

2. Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant ($18, link to buy here)

Another all natural favorite! It’s both alcohol and aluminum-free, and formulated with eucalyptus extract so you feel like you’re at the spa when you put it on. While this may not be strong enough for an intense workout session, it’s a great option for daily wear, especially for those who have sensitive skin.

3. Dove Advanced Care with NutriumMoisture in Go Fresh Cool Essentials antiperspirant-deodorant ($7, link to buy here)

This is a great option for daily wear that boasts 48-hour protection. Strong enough for a workout, with green and fruity scents plus Dove’s NutriumMoisture ingredients. This antiperspirant-deodorant goes on smoothly, protects from odor and wetness and is so smooth. It’s also a great option to wear post-shave since the extra moisture ingredients soothe the skin.

So whether you need sweat protection for a long run, a pilates marathon, a stressful day, or even just a sweaty summer day, we suggest trying these products to keep your body in check!  If you have any brands you love, please share below or comment on our Instagram or Facebook page.

Commit to be Fit!

We all have time for health and fitness- you just have to make it a priority! It’s so much easier to commit to your fitness goals by scheduling your workouts in advance and sticking to your plan. Think of it as though you have a mandatory meeting each day that you can’t miss no matter what. It might take some getting used to, but your body (and mind!) will thank you afterwards.

 Here are some tips to commit:

J Follow your fitness! Social media helps everyone stay connected to their fitness communities. Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Websites, and Blogs are literally right at your fingertips! Following your favorite fitness brands, icons, studios and friends will help to keep you motivated to step up your own fitness game. And, sometimes you’ll even score some fitness prizes! Many companies offer giveaways just by following their feeds.

Right now, if you follow @pilatesplatinum on Instagram, you could win 5 FREE PILATES PLATINUM CLASSES! (Winner will be chosen next week.)

J Create a fitness journal or diary. Write down your goals, schedule your workouts, check off what you’ve accomplished, and track your progress! You can also purchase a journal made specifically to support your fitness goals, like the one found HERE from Lorna Jane, which is filled with inspirational quotes and workout challeneges each week.

J Prepare healthy snacks and meals in advance. If you know you’ll be away from home all day, plan ahead to stick to your nutritional goals. It’s so easy to carry around healthy snacks with you. All it takes is a little thinking ahead that’ll keep you from sabotaging your health. You'll feel much better if you eat something healthy instead of settling for something else that may be convenient in a rush. Pack a lunch for work, snack on raw almonds, or try a Vega One Bar when you’re on the run. 

J Lay out your workout gear the night before. Pick something fun to wear so you’re happy when you throw it on. Wake up and jump right into your outfit and hit the gym (or Pilates Studio)! You’ll be setting yourself up for a successful morning with no excuses.

J Live in the now. Be present and be POSTIVE. It takes 21 days to form a habit. You can do it! Don’t give up!