The days are getting longer and summer is fast approaching — and so is the heat. Here are some innovative fitness gadgets and gear to help you have fun and stay safe as you bring your workout into the summer sun.

Waterproof Your Gadgets

What is the first thing you do when the summer heat hits? You hit the water! No need to worry anymore about missing out on great pictures at the beach or on the boat, in fear of getting your iPhone wet. You no longer have to leave your phone behind, or your iPod for that matter. Companies like H20 Audio now offer waterproof iPod/iPhone cases. Heck, their cases can even let you take your “iGadget” into the pool with you so that you can listen to some tunes while you swim — they even have waterproof headphones available too.

Reusable Water Bottle

If you haven’t already, there is no better time than summer to invest in a reusable water bottle. It’s very important to stay hydrated while working out — especially in the summer heat. But what kind of water bottle is safe, and what is the best way to drink water out of a plastic bottle while staying green?

Avoid the everyday water bottle that you purchase in a store with water, juice or soda already in it.  You shouldn't reuse these bottles — they can harbor bacteria. Also avoid “typical” water bottles  —meaning water bottles that you may have received at your company picnic with your company’s logo. Chances are that company water bottle is made out of polycarbonate, which has been deemed hazardous to your health. The best and safest option is an aluminum or stainless steel water bottle.

Map Your Own Personal Outdoor Activities

Safety first! So when you feel like taking your run or bike ride off the beaten path, go into your adventure with a plan and use MapMyRun.com to design a personalized route. If you aren’t feeling that adventurous, search for routes in your neighborhood, already created, tried and tested by fellow website users. Remember to always let someone know where you are going. Print out a copy of your map for friends and loved ones before setting out on your adventure.

UPF Clothing

If you are going to exercise outside this summer, invest in some UPF clothing. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and protects its wearer from dangerous and damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. When someone wears UPF clothing they reduce the amount of ultraviolet rays that reach their skin. 

According to statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of all skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to the sun. Your average workout t-shirt isn’t going to block those nasty UV rays, and sunscreen doesn't help if you forget to wear it. If you are person who spends a lot of time outdoors exercising, UPF clothing is a great way for you to go that extra mile to protect yourself from the sun and its harmful UV rays.