The Cold Should Not Stop Outdoor Exercise
By Tom Herrin
Too many times we feel that we are finally on a roll with our program of outdoor exercise when the cold suddenly comes in. In the cases of strong wind or heavy rain may be the exception, and you may have to change plans. Otherwise dressing correctly for the cold temperatures can yield a good experience that is easily manageable. At one time, I would make a point to ride my bicycle almost every evening so long as it was not below 30 degrees. It was quite a challenge. I had to do a lot of guessing about just how long it may take me to get warm enough to ride. This was my primary gauge for dressing. With today's advancements in clothing, it is possible to dress in layers that can meet your needs.
What's Inside?
At one time, many of us used something such as thermal wear for a first layer. It held too much moisture and was often heavy. It is generally advised today that we have a first layer that is tight-fitting. It should wick away moisture and allow some movement of air. Keeping us dry as we perspire is pretty important. The air can do this as well as cool us if we are overheated.
The Insulated Layer
The second layer is the one that should provide some kind of insulation. As with most insulation, it helps if it is thick but lightweight. This allows it to hold air to heat or cool. It has enough space in it for moisture to move out and air to move either direction. This layer may keep us warm enough to withstand the cold but cool enough to move. This heating and cooling should be slower since the layer is thick.
A Tough Outside Layer
The outermost layer is the one that may need to be removed easiest. It should be tough enough to be protective from abrasions. It should additionally protect against wind and rain. It may be a somewhat traditional windbreaker but a little tougher. It should allow for air to circulate so that it helps with this process of continuous heating and cooling. If we have all of this in place, we may expect out outdoor exercise session to be pretty successful and something we can look forward to.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salt Lake City, Utah.