My first year of medical school, I blossomed from a petite 105 lbs to 130, thanks to long hours studying at the books comforted with such goodies as French vanilla ice cream and bags of Oreos or my personal library munchie, the Kit Kat bar. That following summer I launched a personal weight loss program and suffered through endless miles of running, aerobics sessions and home video exercise tapes. It worked. Of course I was 23, I had a higher metabolism rate and my life was my own.

But many years later I’ve found I’ve slipped back into old habits. Childbearing, “mommying”, and surgical menopause combined with sitting at my computer screen full time for almost 4 years have taken their toll upon my tush! And while reality dictates I’ll not likely see my “twenty-something” weight again, (that genetic hand I’ve been dealt); visions of being fit, limber and lean continue to beckon to me.

Deciding it’s time to do something, I’ve slowly, and painfully I might add, begun a daily workout regimen. Will it work and will I stick with it? I hope so. So far, I’m down 5 pounds. But who would have guessed that an entire article awaited me at the gym? Such newfound insights can make your next workout more enjoyable and keep your skin looking fit, too.

• Don’t worry that your feet aren’t pedicure perfect before you go to the gym! Skip the application of Carmol 20 Cream, or any other foot moisturizer, before you attempt “hot” yoga or any other form of barefoot exercising. Slipping and sliding across your mat makes one look even more uncoordinated than they really are.
• Who knew that exposure to sweltering heat during said “hot” yoga (aka bikram) could dehydrate the skin to equal changes only seen during the depths of winter? Make sure after your blogpost-workout shower to apply an active moisturizer unless you plan to shave your legs at the same time. In that case, save the active moisturizer like AHA 20 and apply something incredibly soothing, healing and nurturing (might as well stay on that happy blogpost-yoga high) such as AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion.
• Sure I own my own exercise mat, but somehow, the idea of setting foot off of it or running around a gym or locker room barefoot gives me the heebie-jeebies. Thoughts of tiny microbes lying in wait can induce nightmares for anyone who has dwelled upon the microbiology of even the cleanest looking floor. Take the offense and spray your feet before you go to the gym/yoga/spa with Lamisil AT Athlete’s Foot Spray. This can help prevent picking up Athlete’s foot and won’t melt into a slippery mess while exercising.
• Take along your flip-flops or shower shoes for walking around moist areas. Human papilloma (wart) virus is ubiquitous and far more likely to remain viable in a moist, humid environment for long periods of time.
• Take a shower!!! I realize most women understand this implicitly but I can attest that there are those athletes (sorry guys, but they’re often male) out there who periodically neglect to take this blogpost workout ritual before going to work, the grocery store, the mall Not only will taking a shower keep you sweet smelling (and far more likely to meet Ms. Or Mr. Right at the gym), quickly removing high levels of sweat and sebum will help cut down on the potential for bacterial proliferation. These can lead to body odor, acne, plugged pores, folliculitis (especially for those with hairy torsos), and even drive such dermatological conditions as seborrhea and psoriasis. Try cleansing with Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser or California North Gelskin Scrub which can cut through this layer of skin oils and grime and restore your skin to its natural freshness.
• Hives from sweating? Believe it or not, there are those unfortunate few who actually form hives whenever they exercise or sweat. A condition known as cholinergic urticaria, this form of hives is due to an adrenalin rush. These teeny tiny bumpy hives are more common in those between the ages of 10-30 and may be slightly skewed towards men. Use of an antihistamine containing citirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec in the U.S., or Benadryl One A Day in the UK) can help palliate symptoms. But don’t go running to the steam room, sauna or jump in the hot tub without running that past your doctor and carrying an emergency Epi-Pen. Extreme heat exposure can precipitate massive systemic histamine release and shock. While not common, this is certainly of concern.
• Skip the industrial strength soap in the locker room shower stall. Take along your own. No need to develop irritation, a rash or worse.
• Chlorine is harsh to skin and hair. The highly alkaline nature of chlorine strips away the skin’s protective acid mantle. Rinse off ASAP and make sure you restore your skin’s naturally acidic pH with an AHA based moisturizing cream (AHA 20 or AmLactin Moisturizing Cream) and use your pH balanced shampoo and conditioner.
• Spandex may be oh so chic, but if you suffer from chafing, bikini bumps or folliculitis of the bottom (unglamorously known as butt acne), it may be a fashion faux pas. Consider breathable loose clothing and save your skin from a slow smothering. Another option is to powder up before and after your workout. Avoid cornstarchit’s food for those flourishing microbes. Look to talc based powders instead. If you’re prone to infections like Jock Itch, acne bumps or other contagious concerns, look to medicated formulations like Zeasorb-AF Antifungal Powder or DERMAdoctor Feet Accompli Ultimate Antifungal Pedicure Cream.
• It’s a workout, not a beauty contest. Leave the make-up off during your exercise routine. Even the lightest oil-free make-up can combine with sweat and smother the skin causing blackheads, milia and acne. You’re giving your skin a workout, not just your body. It’s important to sweat and cleanse the pores and revitalize the skin with increased blood flow. If you’re heading to the gym after work, pack your EI Solutions Long Wear Make Up Remover and use it before you get on the treadmill. You can certainly follow this up with a toner like Neova Balancing Toner to fully clean out vulnerable pores and help reduce oily build-up during your routine. Not worried about acne concerns? That’s fine. But just picture yourself with make-up and mascara running down your face. Not a pretty picture. Wash off the make-up.

For me at least, getting past the inertia is half the battle to starting a fitness routine. I can’t tell you the number of nights I’ve spent thinking, “I’ll start tomorrow” Simply getting started is one step closer to a healthier you. Have fun with it, don’t get stuck into a single routine, it’s the kiss of death to keeping things fresh and interesting. And next time you go exercise, don’t forget your body’s largest organ, the skin. Give it the workout it deserves.