6 Healthy Essentials For a Weekend on the Lake

The following post was written by Nicole H. who blogs at Fitful Focus and is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.

It's summertime in NYC, and warm air and beautiful sunshine are beating down on the concrete jungle. It's a magical place, and yet, every Friday when 5 p.m. hits, everyone rushes away to the beaches, the shore, and the mountains. Can you blame us? NYC is awesome, but nothing really beats fresh air and cool waters.

I'm a lake girl myself. You get all the benefits of the beach without the crowd, waves knocking you down, or sand getting stuck in your unmentionables. Just smooth waters, kayaking, and dock-side living. So what's a gal to bring for a weekend at the lake? I'm glad you asked!

Besides the obvious swimsuit, which you can pretty much live in all weekend, you only need a few essentials to make your weekend complete. A colorful beach towel: There's so much to do on the water that you're bound to get wet! Jump in the water, go for a swim, kayak around the lake, fly through the waves on a jet ski, and let the water whip around you. Whichever water sport you fancy, don't let the fun end when you return to dry land. A fun, poppy "beach" towel is a lake-girl must and the perfect way to keep the adventure going on the dock. They're fun, cozy, and add a nice pop of color to your natural surroundings. Plus, they'll distract anyone looking too closely from your lake-girl sweat! In need of some towel inspiration? Check out some of these. An easy, girlie read: The lake is a great place to get your sporty on, but after a day of hiking, biking, and fun and fitness in the water, it's nice to recover and relax with an easy read. You should bring something that keeps you entertained that you can also put down when it's time for a race across the lake or a run with the pup. If you have a guilty-pleasure category (romance novels or young adult novel perhaps?) the lake is the time to crack that bad boy open! Some of my recommendations are In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner and Divergent by Veronica Roth. Not a big reader? Your favorite fitness magazine will also do the trick! Sunglasses: What's Summer without sunglasses? Shield your eyes from the rays and the glare of the gorgeous waters with some polarized frames. I suggest two pairs, a fun and fashionable pair for relaxing (like these) and a sporty-chic pair for fitness-oriented activities like a trail run or a stint on the speedboat. I'm a huge fan of these Under Armour Marbella shades. Sunblock: Lobsters don't belong at the lake. Remember to reapply after a sweat session or a dip in the water! Water: Hydration is always important, but it's especially necessary when you're spending all day in the sun. Bring some on the kayak with you, keep a cooler at the dock, or hike with a water bottle in hand. Sporty sandals: If you're a lake girl, you probably enjoy all sorts of activities like kayaking, boating, hanging out on the dock, and exploring little lake islands. Make sure you bring a pair of comfy, easy-on-easy-off sandals to ensure you're ready for any activity. I'm in love with these Nike flip-flops. They're cushion-y, pink, and sporty-chic! Bonus: The Perfect Lakeside Margarita

1 1/2 ounces tequila 1/2 ounce Triple sec 1 ounce fresh lime juice Lime wedge for garnish 3 to 4 ice cubes Salt or sugar to rim the glass It doesn't get much better than some libations after a long day of activity on the lake! Just be sure to be safe, and don't forget to hydrate and drink plenty of water.

Now what are you waiting for? Pack that bag and enjoy that lakeside living!