You’ve made the decision to become more active, and you’re ready to get started. But first, double-check that you may safely exercise in your neighborhood. An outdoor workout routine in the chilly months of the year comes with its own set of hazards and rewards. To continue working out outdoors in the months and weeks ahead, you’ll need to do some planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to exercise in cold weather that keep safety first.
Dress In Several Layers
When you exercise, your body manufactures a large amount of energy, and this gives you a significantly warmer sensation than is truly the case. Sweat evaporation, on the other hand, draws heat from your body, making you feel cold. Instead, wear multiple layers that you can take off as soon as you start sweating and re-apply as needed. Consider applying an artificial protective layer, like polypropylene, onto your skin to attract sweat away from your body. Cotton that stays damp adjacent to your skin should be avoided.
Drink A lot of Water
Don’t forget to stay hydrated, which is just as vital in the winter as it is in the summer. Even if you’re not thirsty, drink high-electrolyte fluids or water before, during, and after your workout. The drying power of the winter wind, increased urine production, breathing and sweating can all cause dehydration in the cold, but it may be harder to recognize.
Sunscreen Is A Must-Have
It’s just as possible to get burnt in the winter as it is in the summer, and it’s even easier if you’re working out in the snow or at high elevations. Use a sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays, as well as a sunscreen-infused lip balm. Goggles or dark glasses will shield your eyes from the glare of snow and ice.
Don’t Forget Your Safety Equipment
Wear luminous apparel if you’re exercising outside when it’s dark. If you ride a bike, you should have both taillights and headlights. Choose footwear with enough traction to prevent falls, especially if it’s snowy or icy, to stay balanced on your feet.
When skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling, always wear a helmet. If you have a predisposition to have cold fingers and toes, or if you have a condition like Raynaud’s illness, consider utilizing chemical heat packs to warm up your hands or feet.
Benefits of Cold Weather
In spite of any associated dangers, exercising in the cold provides benefits that are not available in the warmer months. Exercising in the sun, for example, can assist those with seasonal affective disorder, which is brought on by a lack of daylight.
Furthermore, some data suggests that being exposed to cold weather may assist in the activation of brown fat cells, which are known to burn calories.
Stay Fit And Safe at TerraBella Newton
During extreme weather, consider cutting your outside workout short or missing it altogether, and know when to return home and warm up. Also, in case something goes awry, make sure someone knows your exercise route and projected return time.
Your requirements are handled at TerraBella Newton through a personalized blend of dependent and independent living. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule a campus visit or for any other questions!
