As the weather begins to cool down, your exercise regimen may get interrupted. It can be hard to find motivation to get outside and exercise and if you’re not careful in the cold, you can damage your body. Before you head outside for your next workout, keep these guidelines in mind; If the wind chill is extreme or the temperature dips below 0° F, consider moving your workout indoors.
Dress in layers. By doing this, you’ll be able to easily regulate your body temperature. A big mistake many make while dressing for exercise outside during the winter is dressing too warmly without a way to appropriately undress during exercise. The evaporation of your sweat can cause you to feel chilled and cold. If you have a few layers of clothes on, you can take off one or two if you’re feeling hot, and put them back on once you’re cold again. This will help safely regulate your body temperature.
Protect your head, hands, feet, and ears. As you exercise, the blood in your body naturally goes to the core of your body. This leaves your head, hands, feet, and ears with much less circulation, leaving them vulnerable to frostbite.
Don’t forget to hydrate! This can be easier to forget during the winter, but it’s still just as important as in the warmer months.
Listen to your body. You know your body better than anyone else. If you’re feeling a certain way that you’re not used to during your workout, don’t push it. Know when to go home and take shelter from the cold!
If you have a lung condition like asthma, consult with your doctor before participating in any outdoor physical activity during the cold weather, as it can aggravate such conditions and severely harm your health. Remember to dress in layers, protect your outer extremities, hydrate, and listen to your body and you’ll be on the road to a healthier you! If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment with us, please call 801-572-0690 today.
