It Is Possible to Exercise Comfortably in the Cold
By Tom Herrin
Some years ago, the thought of exercising outdoors in the cold may have brought thoughts of survival training. Having the right kinds of clothes to wear was pretty complex. I rode a bicycle in the evening pretty regularly. Since I was usually doing so late in the evenings, it was difficult to dress in a way that would meet all of my needs. It was often in the 30s, so I needed to have a way to be warm enough that I could ride but avoid overheating too fast. I determined that, if I was only cold for the first ten minutes of my ride, it was not so bad. If I planned wrong, I felt like I was freezing. With the advancements that have been made in recent years, you can dress in layers that may make it much easier to manage.
The First Layer
As with anything, starting out right is pretty important. There are some great fabrics available that can make us comfortable. It is suggested that you start with a tight-fitting layer that is lightweight. It should wick away moisture and have good airflow. Remaining dry is a big deal as exercising in the cold while wet can be miserable. This layer needs to help us to have a way of constantly drying.
The Second Layer
Each layer has a particular role, and this second layer should be the one that insulates and keeps us warm. It is best if it is bulky but lightweight. Traditional insulating materials such as fleece, wool, and down still do an adequate job of this. Today there is a greater variety of materials to choose from, and most are very good. Moisture removal and airflow are still vital to success here. When you are reasonably comfortable, you will want to continue.
The Third Layer
This outer layer needs to have multiple purposes and abilities. It has to be tough enough to protect us. It should resist rain, wind and all kinds of abrasive objects. It may need to protect us from bumps and scrapes. If this layer has some removable parts, it will be much simpler to make adjustments that may increase our level of motivation to continue our workout. In the overall scheme of things, if we become deflated about working out, we will lose ground and be back to square one.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Plano, Tex.