The freezing cold is back—at least out east it is! That means it’s time to bundle up with your scarves, gloves, and heavy coats, but what does that mean for you exercise routine?
Exercising outdoors in the winter weather, whether you’re running, skiing or other activities, can be completely safe. Scientists have suggested that no temperature is too low to exercise in, just as long as we stay geared up to minimize cold-weather risks. So there’s no need to stay huddled up in your home afraid to get your exercise on. Here a few tips you should remember…
This kind of weather might seem ok, but avoid rain and wind: Maybe it’s hard to believe, but our body’s have a hard time managing its temperature when soaked and in the elements. Water draws heat away 25 times faster than air because of its higher density and heat capacity, while high winds can be extremely dangerous.
Always remember to layer up: Your layers you should go in this order—synthetic to draw sweat away, heavy fleece or wool to insulate, breathable waterproof material to repel wind and rain. Remember to avoid cotton!
And don’t forget your head, fingers, and toes: The blood in our bodies stays concentrated to our core, which makes our limbs more susceptible to the elements. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, consider sneakers that leave room for thicker socks, and a hat.
But don’t overdress: You’re going to feel cold once you start exercising outside, but our bodies warm up after we’ve been moving. Overdressing can lead to excess sweating, which will cause the body to become wet (see avoiding rain and wind).
