COVERSTORY
The Heat is on
	Summer workouts are a great way to get rid of the extra flab gained during the long months of winter. But before you step out, remember that the sun can take a toll on you body. So, it’s better to indulge in indoor exercises to avoid getting a heat stroke or getting a heat dehydrated. Summer is also the best time to become a water baby and swim around in the pool for as long as you desire. We asked a Unani,fitness expert on an ideal workout regime for the summer and this is what she had to say,”Indoor workouts like gymming, aerobics and yoga are the best options to avoid the scorching heat this summer. Swimming and water aerobics can do wonders for the body as they not only protect you from the heat, but are also great to work out the cardiovascular system,”she informs. Water exercises are the perfect way to get some exercise without being bothered about the scorching sun. Stick to a light diet. Stay away from fried foods and heavy meals. Include vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and different sorts of salads in your diet. Apart from assisting weight loss, water also helps you stay hydrated, say experts. Opt for cool drinks like iced tea instead of aerated drinks. Eat a mango a day, include carbohydrates for dinner and shell out some money on a good massage from a therapist. Going easy on the workout schedule is advisable in the summer as one is already tired and drained out after a hard day’s work. So, workout schedules should be reduced to three times a week. There’s no restriction on water exerciseslike swimming ; a dip a day isn’t harmful. Sports science and nutrition expert says, “Trekking is the best workout ever and helps in burning fat easily. The mountains are a great summer workout location because it’s usually cooler in the hilly terrains. As you’ll be gaining attitude, a temperature drop may also be noticed. Group exercises could also be a fun summer workout session to look at”. Workouts could get tedious for models during summers as they’re constantly on the move. “My workout during the summers is generally light. I restrict my cardio and weight training to three - four times, which I otherwise do every day. Swimming is a good option, but I prefer a dip in the early morning or late evening, as being under the hot sun may not be good for the skin. Outdoor exercises on the beach, like a game of volleyball or just a long walk, can by themselves prove to be great workouts (sand provides you the extra resistance that a treadmill fails.. to). Walking barefoot on the sand is also beneficial for the calves. Finish your beach workout with deep breathing, meditation and stretching. So, go ahead and say bye to the mundane gym routine and try something new this summer! Summer Radiance Summer is a lovely season with flowering trees at their flamboyant best, birds in your bird bath and the summer breeze. But the rising mercurry can be harsh on one’s skin and even on health. You need to understand the nature of your skin and work accordingly to keep it beautiful and glowing. The first and most essential mantra, Unaniexperts say, is ‘moisturise’. This is the most important part of daily skin care. Your skin, which looked radiant through winter, suddenly looks dull, blemished and oily. “This is because, in winter, your skin’s natural oils solidify, whereas in summer they flow freely,” “Hence, most people need a lighter moisturiser in hot weather.” Although oil-free and water-based moisturisers are preferable, you need to understand your skin’s needs. Just plain water may work for you. Well known expert says that flower based lotions like rose water or cucumber water (made by diluting cucumber juice with water) can be sprayed on the face to tone and refresh it. Cool them in the fridge before use. Fight sun tan Too much exposure to the sun causes the skin to burn and darken causing sun tan. To avoid excessive tanning, apply sunscreen before stepping out, say experts. This creates a protective layer, preventing the harmful ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin. Cure for sunburn : Apply yogurt or buttermilk on the face and wash off after 20 minutes. Or crush sesame seeds (till) coarsely and soak in water overnight. Next morning strain the water and use the white liquid to wash the face. Soothes sunburn and sun-damaged skin in summer. The cleansing routine Cleansing is essential. Forest Essentials offer delicate facial cleansers like Saffron and Neem, Mashobra Wild Honey and Rose water that are balancing, nutritious, healing and totally free of toxic ingredients. Cleansing Papaya Mask : For all skin types. Just apply papaya pulp on the skin like a mask and wash off after 20 minutes. Papaya contains enzymes that help soften and remove dead skin cells. Fight acne and pimples Excessive sweating and exposure to heat expands pores on the skin resulting in accumulation of Wipe the face with cold rose water to avoid pimples and keep the skin clean. Visit a parlour to clear out dead skin regularly. Or try various exfoliating scrubs available. Home-made scrub : Mix together Multani Mitti, Chana Ka Atta and Sandalwood powder in equal quantities. Store in an air tight container. Use a teaspoon of this scrub mixed to a paste with water. This rids the skin of flakes and dirt. Keep skin cool The skin needs to be kept cool otherwise it may break into rashes or pimples. Choose from various cooling packs comprising agents such as cucumber, rosewater, sandalwood, Fuller’s Earth, camphor powder, neem leaves etc. Aloe Vera conditions and hydrates dry, rough and suh exposed skin putting back into it what the sun takes out. So there’s no reason to be afraid of the sun.