Cold Weather: Keep on Moving
By Stephen R. Farris
It's that time of year folks. The leaves are starting to change color and cooler temperatures are beginning to set in. Depending on what part of the country you live in, you might want to think about bundling up a bit more, especially if you spend a lot of time exercising or working outdoors.
That may include putting on an extra layer of clothing or even a heavier coat. And let's not forget about head and footwear either.
Even though the temperatures may dip a bit more than you would like, it's still a good idea to get outdoors and breathe in some fresh air and not let colder weather get in the way of your workouts.
However, there are some things you need to keep in mind working and exercising outdoors in cold weather.
Hypothermia: It's a Tricky Thing
Be prepared during outdoor activities in cold weather. Keep your cell phone charged up and always with you out in the cold. Watch for signs that you might have the stages of hypothermia creeping up on you, such as constant shivers, slurred speech, and suddenly feel like your body temperature dropping. These are warning signs and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Sunny and Cold: It's Actually Good for You
Despite working or exercising in colder temperatures, it can actually have positive effects. For instance, your heart doesn't work as hard and you can still burn fat. However, if you have certain lung and heart conditions, you might want to check with your doctor to see if you're fit enough to be outdoors in an active setting for any duration.
Stretch Those Muscles
So you're all bundled up after that big breakfast and ready to hit the cold morning air for a little intense workout. But wait. There's one more thing you'll need to do. Before you start, you need to do some stretching to get those cold muscles in action. You might want to start out with some arm stretches, then twist those hips and don't forget about your thighs, hamstrings and knees. There is plenty of literature available on the web and in books and magazines that can give you an idea as to what stretches would be good for you to try. The main thing is to stretch it out before jumping into whatever your activity may be for cold weather.
Just because it's cold outside, don't let it stop you from getting in your daily workout.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rocklin, Calif.