Staying active year-round can seem like a daunting task when Mother Nature doesn’t want to cooperate with your workout plans. Maintaining your exercise routine during even the coldest seasons can help propel you to a weather-proof, heart-healthy lifestyle.
Why is a cold weather workout great? There’s no heat and humidity to deal with so you may be able to work out longer, the cold may even help you feel awake! Getting outside can be a rare occurrence in the winter, but heading out in the sun for a run will help improve your mood. Exercise even helps to boost your immunity during cold and flu season. With all these benefits, why not workout in winter?!
Try these outdoor activities:
- Brisk walking or hiking
- Jogging or running
- Raking leaves
- Shoveling snow
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
Stay safe in the cold with a little preparation. Cold temperatures, strong winds and damp conditions (like rain and snow) steal your body heat. That’s why layers of clothing are so important. They help trap the heat and form a kind of insulation against the elements. For your first layer, you want something that pulls moisture away from your skin, like the moisture wicking fabrics used in high-performance sportswear. Next, add a layer of fleece; finally, top with a thin waterproof layer.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated and pay attention to your body. If you’re feeling dizzy, shivering, or uncoordinated, stop your workout immediately and seek medical attention.
When winter blows in, you can pull the blankets over your head and go back to sleep—or you can suit up and head out for an outdoor winter adventure! Choose adventure! For more tips please visit heart.org.