Stay Cool During Hot Weather Workouts with Slushie Power

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As the temperature rises your endurance decreases, making summer workouts hard on your body. That’s why long-distance runners sit in a cold bath or wear cooling vests before a summer marathon. Scientists have yet to determine the exact reason why your body tires faster in the hot sun, but a researcher in New Zealand has discovered an easier, faster way to lower your body temp before a strenuous summer workout: Drink a sugary, icy slushie.

In the study, an athlete who drank the icy beverage before running on a treadmill in a hot room was able to run 10 minutes longer (50 minutes) than an athlete who merely downed a cool, syrupy drink (40 minutes). Obviously, the powerful effects won’t last over the course of a triathlon, but a slushie could increase your performance during a tennis match, soccer game or leisurely run.

So, drink up. But not too fast! You don’t want to get a brainfreeze.

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