Winter Exercise Can Keep You Healthy and Fit

Nov
2010

Winter weather is often the signal for even the most motivated exercisers to cut back on outdoor activities. Weekend warriors often become armchair quarterbacks during cold weather. The average adult is much more inclined to pack away any thoughts of outdoor activities until spring fever hits.

You don’t need to be one of the statistics giving into winter weight gain.

There are some good reasons why the fall and winter months are a great time to get outdoors to exercise.

It is not true that being outside in cold weather will make you ill. Exercise has been shown to boost energy, build your immune system and help beat seasonal depression! Moderate exercise can help you fight the cold and flu season. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercisers have been shown to have 20-30% fewer colds than their non-exercising neighbors.

Anyone in good general health can safely exercise outdoors. If you have known health concerns, consult with your doctor. He can advise you of any necessary precautions or help you work out a progressive plan of action to begin an exercise routine.

Winter Weather Exercise Tips

With planning and a few extra precautions you can get off the couch, step off the treadmill and take your walk, jog, or run outdoors.

Dress in Layers

Most people tend to over dress for outdoor exercise. Exercising at a moderate pace can easily generate enough body heat to have you feeling like it is thirty degrees warmer than it is. Then as you slow down and begin to cool off, you can quickly become chilled. Dressing in layers will give you the chance to remove clothing as you warm up and put it back on again as needed.

A thin moisture-wicking layer next to you skin can help keep you dry and comfortable once you break a sweat. On top of that a thicker layer for warmth. Your outer layer should be a waterproof lighter jacket.

Heavy down-filled jackets may feel comfortable stepping outside, but they quickly become too hot once you begin moving. It is possible to overheat outdoors in winter if you are unable to remove layers to maintain a comfortable temperature.