By: Ashley Purnell
While it may be harder to find motivation to work out during the winter, once you get going it can be just as invigorating as any other season. Depending on the weather where you live, November through March can be extremely cold. On the coldest days, the thought of going for a run or even walking to the car to go the gym might deter you. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just trying to stay health, it’s important to keep your body moving and continue your normal fitness training. There are a few things you need to keep in mind while working out during the winter months.
Dress in layers
Dressing too warmly is a common mistake when exercising in cold weather. If you’re heading outdoors for a walk or run, dress in layers that can be easily removed as you start to sweat. Exercise generates a considerable amount of heat however once you begin to sweat, it pulls heat from your body and you become cold. When possible, avoid cotton as the bottom layer, which stays wet next to your skin. Add a layer of fleece for insulation and top with a waterproof, breathable layer on the outside.
Switch it up!
If the weather outside is too frightful, or below freezing, work out in your home instead. Leave the heavy lifting and exercise machines on your to-do list for another day and get creative with your workout. Keep an exercise mat and few accessories like weights and exercise ball on hand during the winter months. Push back furniture in your living room and find a yoga routine or do planks and lunges in the middle of the room. Run laps up and down the stairs or turn on a workout video. Grab household items to lift and do squats while you dust. Whatever you do, make exercising a priority, even on snow days.
Hydrate!
In the winter, it can be easy to forget to hydrate as much as we should. While you may not always overheat or sweat heavily, your body still needs to rehydrate. The dryness in the air takes a toll on the moisture in your body.
Comments (0)