5 Things to Remember When You Exercise in the Cold
By Genevieve Cunningham
Baby it's cold outside. If it's not cold yet, the cool winds are definitely on their way. While this makes for a little bit of excitement in the air, it also makes a few things more difficult. One thing that becomes a little less appealing in the winter is exercise. It's tough to find the motivation to get up and get out in the cold in order to get in your workout. If you would like to keep your workout routine going through the winter months, take a look at these five tips that can help you along your way.
Layer Up
This is the time of year when it might be cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. That's why it's a great idea to layer up. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that can be adjusted for the weather. This might include a hat and gloves, a jacket, and even pull over pants. Layering up helps you stay comfortable no matter the weather, which makes the work out a lot easier.
Stretch Really Well
When the weather is cold, our muscles get stiff. If you don't stretch well enough, you're much more likely to pull a muscle. Before you begin to work out in the winter, make sure that you stretch every muscle in the body very slowly and deeply. This will allow for some flexibility in the body and will also help to prevent injury due to the cold weather.
Hydrate
We tend to forget about hydration in the winter. We don't get hot, and so we don't remember to drink any water. But the truth is that the winter air is dry, and so dehydration happens quickly. Make sure that you are drinking water throughout your workout so that you don't dehydrate your body and make yourself sick.
Lotion and Chapstick
If you’re going to be working out outside, it's a great idea to carry some lotion and chapstick with you. If you're out in the elements, your lips will likely get cracked and incredibly dry. Having chapstick available makes the experience a lot more enjoyable. The same can be said for lotion. You may notice your hands, your face, or any exposed skin becoming dry and cracked if it's exposed to the wind for too long. Carrying a little bottle of lotion can help keep your skin moist and the exercise experience much better.
Cover Your Nose and Mouth
Breathing in the cold air is not really a good idea. It makes the throat sore, the nose hurt, and can even cause your sinuses to act up. If it's going to be cold out, carry something that covers the mouth and nose. This allows you to breathe in a little bit warmer air, which can help you avoid these pitfalls of cold winter air and keep your exercise more comfortable.
Winter is a great time to workout. After all, summer bodies are made in the winter. But if you're not prepared, it can definitely be a difficult task. Use these tips to get prepared and you can enjoy your workouts from now into the months ahead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Castle Rock, Colo.
