Reasons To Exercise In Winter

Start small, give your body time to adjust to the new weather conditions and dress appropriately when planning to exercise in Winter.

by Cody George, Lifeguard Times

Though it’s hard to stay motivated to stay in shape during the Winter months, keeping active and staying fit even as the temperature drops can only be beneficial to you. Snow may be collecting on the ground and your favorite park may be iced over, but opting to stay warm in the comfort of your own home can catch up to you quickly – especially after that Christmas dinner you’re so excited about!

Jumping right into your normal exercise routine is not a smart idea. Be cautious when trying to incorporate your normal regiment into the Winter season, as your body has not had time to adjust to the climate change.

When trying to exercise in Winter, your body has to go through a process called acclimation, which means you have to gradually introduce yourself to the cold weather in short rounds rather than all at once. This helps guarantee that you won’t get sick or overwhelmed by the shift in climate.

Studies show that working out in cold weather can actually boost energy in exercise and burn more calories overall. Your body has to work harder in colder weather, which in turn raises levels of endorphins in your brain. The result is a happier and healthier you, even if you get a bit chilly!

Take hydration into consideration as well. Even though you may not be as hot while exercising in Winter, you still may sweat as much as you would even in the Summer. The Winter months are very dry, so make sure to drink water before, during, and after your workout to maintain a healthy and hydrated body.

There are a slew of Winter centric sports to partake in as well. Ice hockey, skiing and snow boarding are high-velocity sports that will get your blood pumping and keep your body in peak physical condition in the Winter.

No matter how you decide to exercise in the Winter, dressing appropriately is essential to the process. Dressing in layers and making sure your hands and feet are fully covered will help prevent contracting the cold and the flu.

Start small, give your body time to adjust to the new weather conditions and dress appropriately. These are all important factors in making sure you get the most out of exercising in the Winter season!╚