Honey, it’s cold outside, and it’s not winter yet! Unfortunately, the change of seasons can negatively affect your overall well-being in a number of ways, and it’s important not to miss a beat when it comes to be consistent with your workouts. We spoke with Jen Widerstromcelebrity trainer and pikmin flower expert, and we’re here to let you know exactly what Cold weather it does to your body when you’re inactive, along with what you can do about it. So read on and keep your exercise routine strong!
If you’re a morning runner or gym enthusiast, heading out to start your steps or hit the gym during cold temperatures can be pretty brutal. The easiest route for some is to hit the snooze button and get some extra Z’s. We feel your pain, but take Widerstrom’s advice and don’t do it!
Instead of losing your way, change your routine and exercise at home or go out later in the day when the sun is shining and being outside is more feasible. Consider adding some seasonal cardio fun to your weekends, like skiing, skating, or snowshoeing. There are negative consequences to your body that result from cold weather if you don’t move enough, so it’s crucial to be vigilant. Read on to learn more about what cold weather does to your body when you’re inactive.
Related: Fun Fall Activities That Burn Calories and Keep You Fit
You may experience pain, swelling, and weight gain.
Eat this, not that! sat down with Widerstrom to find out exactly how important movement is to your body. Widerstrom says: “[Motion] It naturally increases your body’s flexibility while reducing inflammation and your sensitivity to pain. Therefore, inactivity at any temperature is a one-way ticket to pain and unwanted fat accumulation because it gives you surplus energy, meaning calories that are not used.”
Gain weight during the colder months It’s very common, health line reports. After all, it’s the holiday season (hello, homemade stuffing, gravy, and sweet potato stew!) and many people like to curl up by the fire to watch their favorite movies, becoming more sedentary. Needless to say, it should come as no surprise that in a to study published in the magazine Eating and weight disordersparticipants lost weight from winter to spring and gained weight during the fall and winter months.
Your immune system may be compromised.
It is important to stay active, fit and healthy during cold and flu season. Your body works harder in cold temperatures, and exercise will help strengthen your immune system, aston university Explain. How is that? Exercise flushes bacteria out of your airways and lungs, which can lower your risk of illness, flu, colds and more, according to Medline Plus. Physical activity also changes white blood cells and antibodies, helping you fight disease. The brief rise in temperature caused by physical activity can ward off bacteria and infection. Lastly, good exercise can reduce the release of stress hormones in your system, which can also help keep you from getting sick.
You may feel depressed.
It’s common to feel depressed or moody during the colder months, due to a lack of vitamin D from the sun. People stay indoors much longer and tend not to make as many plans as they do during the warmer weather months. And when you don’t have a lot of energy and feel down, it can make consistency a challenge.
Widerstrom shares: “Even on my days with less energy I still get moving and do something as simple as walking.” To help keep her steady, he uses a walking app, Pikmin Bloom, which he tells us helps keep her out of excess energy and pain-free as well. The app has group challenges that are fun to do as they are great company and provide incentives to take more steps.
It’s healthy to be social, and your local gym can also provide a great opportunity to be around people with common interests. Learn what works best for you and get on with it!
alexa mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Associate Editor for Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel, and providing readers with engaging topics on fitness, wellness, and personal care. Read more about Alexa
