Winter is coming and it may be tough to stay fit with the cold, breezy, and winter chill in the air. However, for us to stay fit, we need to drop those bad-weather excuses and let’s start taking note of this winter exercise tips, shall we?
Some like to sweat even in a cold and breezy weather just to beat the winter blue. Whilst some are doing it to provide the answers that their winter body needs.
According to Brian Calkins, certified personal trainer and president of HealthStyle Fitness in Cincinnati, OH, the biggest hurdle to overcome is lack of experience and uncertainty about exercising in the cold. He also believed that after a few workouts, you will develop confidence.
Whether it’s summer, spring, fall or winter, good workout accessories will always be one of our priorities. Be that as it may, for some of us, all it takes in getting the motivation for a tough workout is a pair of shoes, some good music and a sufficient exercise area.
Having said that, many require workout accessories to help us. That’s why choosing the best workout accessories would be a big help.
Cold Weather Fitness Tips to Stay Safe and Warm
The following cold weather fitness tips below are courtesy of Everyday Health.
1. Dress “dry,” not just “warm.”
According to Calkins, the body does an amazing job of regulating temperature, assuming you’re dressed for the appropriate temperature. So, the quickest way to lose body heat is by getting wet.
Unfortunately, winter exercise exposes your body to two kinds of wet: perspiration and precipitation. The Everyday Health advice is to choose the right workout fabrics and smart layering will keep you dry and comfy.
2. Cotton is for sheets, not workout wear.
“Wet fabric next to your skin will zap your body heat and give you an unwanted chill,” says Jeff Galloway, an Olympian, running coach and author of Running: Getting Started (Meyer & Meyer Sport, 2014).
Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, nylon and polypropylene are the smart choice that our source considered. However, there’s a downside to synthetics.
They stink after soaking up the sweat. So have a fresh change of clothes handy and get your smelly active wear in the wash right away.
3. Layer Up.
When exercising in the cold, wet weather, dress in layers. Calkins thinks that layering provides better insulation from the cold and allows more freedom of movement.
The right layers will trap warm air next to your body while allowing moisture to escape. Remember, the more water-repellent the shell, the less it breathes, making it harder for sweat to escape, even if you’re wearing the proper base layer.
Layer up, but don’t overdress. You don’t want to be too cosy and don’t want to feel hot, sweaty and exhausted before your workout ends, do you?
4. Wear tight clothes.
For you to perform better and recover quicker, Galloway’s advice is to wear compression tights since they can increase the circulation in the legs. It helps athletes resist fatigue and aids muscle coordination too, Calkin says.
5. Breathe right.
The Everyday Health explained that it’s a myth that breathing hard in cold weather can freeze your lungs. But it can hurt to breathe because your body reacts to cold, dry air.
“In cold weather, airway passages tend to narrow, which makes inhalation more difficult,” says Debi Pillarella, a Chicago-area certified personal trainer and spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise.
You can wrap a bandana or scarf around your mouth knowing that even a thin fabric layer can trap water vapour when you breathe out and keeps your next inhalation moist.
6. Warm up first.
Even in cold-weather workouts, it is important to let your body have a good warm up. Pillarella explained that when exercising in colder temperatures, you’re at increased risk for sprains and strains.
That’s why all of the experts from Everyday Health recommend having your warm up indoors.
7. Keep drinking.
Staying hydrated through the winter-chill is also imperative. Galloway even explained that people often think they don’t need to drink water unless it’s hot outside, but it’s still important in cold weather.
Sip water during your workout and switch to a sports drink, like Gatorade, if you’re planning to exercise for 90 minutes or longer. But, just like layering, don’t overdo it.
How much you gulp down isn’t as important as what your body can absorb, Galloway says.
8. Bundle up after you cool down.
You can get out of those damp clothes once you’re cool down. Our sources’ advice is to wear wet clothes for a high chance of quickly chill to your bone.
So as soon as your cool-down is over, hop in a shower. Not only will it make you feel toasty, you’ll also smell a lot better.