Does a bad mood prevent you from having a fun night out with your girls? Does your period stop you from being the best person you can be? Does bad weather stop you from your exercise routine? The answers to all these questions should be a resounding, NO!
When the wind chill picks up, and the temperature drops, it is easy to call off your run and stay indoors. It’s easy to curl up under your blanket and watch some TV instead of taking a nice long bike ride. It’s NO EXCUSE! Get outside, and get your exercise. But, be safe about it.
If you have heart problems or other ailments, check with your doctor about the appropriate methods of exercising during these frigid winters. But, in general, here are a few tips to help you stay warm and stay fit even when the conditions outside are frightful.
Dress in layers. It might seem like a great idea just to throw on every sweatshirt and jacket you own to make your run more comfortable, and you should, but you really should be dressing in layers. That way, when you get hot from exercise, you can peel away the outer layers. This keeps you at a homeostatic temperature that keeps you healthy and comfortable. Protect your face, feet, hands, and ears. When your skin interacts with the cold air, it is vulnerable to frostbite at worst and discomfort at best. So, cover up with a face mask, gloves, and thermal socks. Pay attention to conditions. If your normal route is covered in ice, think about going a different way, or wearing shoes with better traction. Keep an eye out for black ice, and dress appropriately to counter the wind chill. Be sure to eat right. Prepare your metabolism for a run in the cold. Bring energy bars or bananas for the run, but also eat plenty of carbs about two hours prior to your heavy workout.
Also, if there is an indoor gym/swimming pool in your area, sign up for a winter trial. Get on those treadmills, and lift those weights. If you don’t want to spend the money on a membership, set up a little exercise arena in your own home. It’s easy – all you need is motivation! But, don’t overdo it. Keep safe, and keep healthy.
Stay fit even in the cold. Don’t let the weather freeze you out of your normal exercise routine!