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Hydration: Key Element to Healthy Summer Exercise Regimen Celebrity Trainer Mike Alexander Offers Tips to Stay Active & Hydrated During Sweltering Summer ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- From the Gulf Coast to New England and through the southwest, the US is under a major heat wave that's exhausted much of the country. Even though the dog days of summer will continue, fitness trainer Mike Alexander who helps "Dukes of Hazzard" movie star Jessica Simpson stay in shape, reminds people to stick with their exercise program and, most importantly, drink plenty of fluids such as water and Lipton(R) Tea while working out. "There are many barriers to working out, and the summer heat can sometimes be another excuse, but it's important to continue. Every little bit makes a difference to your overall well-being," says Alexander. "Just be sure to arm your body -- on the inside and the outside -- for overall hydration." He offers these tips to stick with a routine during the summer months. * Ease Into It -- For those just beginning to incorporate exercise into their daily routine and those discouraged by the summer heat, he advises people to start slow and take a holistic approach. Mix indoor exercise and outdoor activities for variety and to stay cool. * Stay Hydrated -- When summer heat is compounded with exercise, the level of fluid loss can be even greater than normal. One of the most important things you can do is drink fluids before, during and after a workout. Mix up your drink selections with water, power drinks and even iced tea. Tea is just as hydrating as water and has the added benefit of antioxidants, which help protect your body against free radicals. During exercise, the body tends to produce these cell-damaging free radicals. Some new ways to enjoy tea include new great tasting and healthy ready-to-drink Lipton(R) Iced Tea, newly reformulated ready-to- drink Lipton(R) Original Iced Tea, which is made with fresh brewed tea, and new Lipton(R) To Go sticks -- single serving packets that you add to bottled water for iced tea anytime. "The hot summer months are an ideal time to enjoy iced tea to help stay cool and fight dehydration," said Bauke Rouwers, Unilever Vice President/General Manager, Lipton(R) Tea North America. "Many people don't know that tea is just as hydrating as water but also offers the added benefits of flavor and antioxidants. Lipton(R) teas are refreshing, convenient and come with all the benefits found in the tea leaf." * Avoid Peak Daylight Hours -- When exercising outdoors, try doing it in the early morning or later in the day, avoiding the sun's strongest hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Paths and roads may also be less congested during off-peak hours. Anytime you exercise outdoors, don't forget the sunscreen! This will also help avoid excess fluid loss because your body won't have to work as hard to perform under high heat or high traffic. "I often suggest that people schedule workouts in the morning," adds Alexander. "This way, if something comes up, you can always reschedule it for later in the day." * Choose Breathable Clothing -- Clothing made of wicking materials will keep your body cool and dry by drawing sweat away from the skin to the surface of the clothes, where it can easily evaporate. It's important to stay cool when you're exercising, but it's also important to protect your skin from the sun. Stick with lightweight and lightly colored clothing to avoid attracting excess sun and heat. Steer clear of tank tops or going shirtless because exposing too much skin can also lead to sunburn. Try a waterproof sunscreen for outdoor exercise so you don't lose your sun protection through perspiration. Visit Lipton.com to order Lipton(R) Teas online, or use the product locator to find a store that carries your favorite Lipton(R) products. At Lipton.com you can learn about the health benefits of tea and watch a demonstration of the power of the antioxidants found in Lipton(R) Teas. About Lipton(R) Teas Lipton(R), the world's leading tea brand, is committed to bringing consumers great tasting, healthy tea products in a variety of convenient forms. Innovative new Lipton(R) Iced Tea To Go Sticks allow consumers to add the natural goodness of tea to water -- for the great taste of tea even when they're on the go. Lipton(R) To Go is an "on the go" mix with the protective health benefits of antioxidants. Lipton(R) is also introducing reformulated ready to drink iced teas and powders with less sugar including Lipton(R) Original Ready to Drink, the only leading national bottled iced tea brand made with fresh brewed tea, not from powders or concentrate. Lipton(R) Original is the original Lipton(R), with a new, fresh look! In addition, New Lipton(R) Ready to Drink Iced Tea, launched in February, is a great tasting product with naturally protective antioxidants -- all in a convenient plastic bottle. Hot or cold, black or green, Lipton(R) is the leader in tea offering a range of great tasting, healthy products for today's health conscious consumer. About Unilever Unilever (NYSE:ULNYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Lipton, Knorr, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs more than 15,000 people in 74 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico -- generating approximately $10 billion in sales in 2004. For more information visit http://www.unileverusa.com/ . Website: http://www.unileverusa.com DATASOURCE: Unilever CONTACT: Michele Benoit, of Ogilvy PR Worldwide, +1-212-880-5363,

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