Is your outdoor exercise routine down due to cold weather? Don’t stop going outside until spring.
Whether you’ve been a regular outdoor runner for years or just starting a new exercise routine, freezing temperatures and harsh winter weather force many people to stay indoors for the season. Exercise can help combat winter blues, boost energy, and prevent weight gain during the time of year when most people add extra insulation. While exercising outdoors in winter can be perfectly safe, it does require a few extra precautions.
Here are 4 cold weather fitness tips to stay safe, warm and fit.
1. Wear the right gear
The most important thing to remember when doing, well, anything outdoors in colder weather is to dress appropriately. You’ll want clothes that fit well for whatever activity you’re doing, and you’ll want to be prepared for cold air. Consider layers that can be removed and worn later for more active events, such as running, allowing you to more comfortably and safely balance increased body temperature with the temperature of cold air.
2. Breathe well
If you’ve ever exercised in cold weather and felt your heart rate rise, you know how different that feels compared to exercising in warm weather. Due to the way your body reacts to cold, dry air, breathing can become painful. Breathing exercises will help increase your lung capacity and allow your lungs to hold more oxygen.
3. Baby
Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body is still working hard when you exercise outside in cold weather, so drink plenty of water. If you plan to exercise for 90 minutes or more, drink water during your workout and switch to a sports drink, if possible. Simply remembering to drink more water during the winter can help prevent dehydration. Drink plenty of water and replenish your fluids, especially after or during physical activity.
4. Warm-up
Warming up is essential when working in winter. With a proper warm-up, you actually increase the temperature of your muscles. This increase in muscle temperature loosens the muscle tissues and makes them more elastic. Thus, injury prevention. However, make sure all warm-ups include low-intensity movements that mimic the exercise you’re about to perform.
Adopt these healthy habits and you’ll stay fit and toned all season long.
Also read: 3 signs that indicate that something is wrong in your body
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