Enjoy Exercise in the Cold More With Layers
By Tom Herrin
A lot of the time, a good exercise program can become pretty deflated as the temperatures change. Even the best of us may struggle when conditions become less than favorable for us. It is pretty easy to lose any incentive when we walk out into temperatures that are at or near freezing.
Some years ago, I dealt with this when I was trying to make an all-out effort to exercise outdoors in the evenings. It became a pretty big challenge. Whatever I did seemed wrong. I either began to cold or got too hot only minutes after I had begun. Finding the right kind of dress can be really challenging. With the things available today, dressing in layers seems to be a much better way of dealing with this.
A Base Layer Is Important to Success
Some years ago, the general mode of dress for the cold was to wear some kind of sweats. It seemed like a good idea in terms of actually warming up quickly, but the heavy cotton material that many were made from often held moisture. The result was that you may end up wearing wet clothes that would not dry, and you were cold. It is now recommended that you wear a first layer that is tight-fitting and lightweight. It really needs to wick away moisture and provide airflow.
The Middle Layer Insulates
Something needs to keep you warm as you exercise, and that is the middle layer. It should be bulky because that can allow air to be trapped so that you can avoid rapid heating or cooling. This material may be traditional wool, down, or fleece, or it may be some of the newer materials that may be even more efficient. Lightweight is still an important feature.
Think Tough With the Outer Layer
The outer layer of anything must offer some kind of protection from external factors. For exercising in the cold, it is helpful to have an outer layer that is resistant to rain and wind. It should also hold up against abrasive objects. If it is removable as well, it will be simpler to manage your temperature control. This will enable you to take off layers that may infer with comfort. With all of this working, your workout may be much more successful, and you may remain more motivated.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Allen, Va.