Outdoor exercise does not have to end in the winter months just because it is cold or there is snow but there are some important safety concerns you need to take into account before going outside for exercise.
Dress in layers
You should dress in layers that you can remove and add throughout your exercise routine such as a power walk or jog as you get too hot or start to get cold. You should wear a synthetic undershirt which pulls sweat away from your body as you grow warm such as a polypropylene shirt and add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation atop that such as a sweatshirt. Next, wear a waterproof but breathable jacket with a zipper, a heavy jacket will cause you to potentially overheat yourself during your outdoor exercise.
Protect your extremities
Blood flow concentrates itself on the core of your body when you are cold, thus you must pay special attention to the exposed portions of your skin such as your hands, your feet and your ears. Most recommended is double layering in for your hands, a pair of thin mittens inside of a pair of fleece or wool mittens for your hands, two pairs of socks and a pair of warm ear muffs and a wool knit hat and scarf for your neck.
This will help you greatly when your jogging along in the cold to keep your exposed skin warm and prevent frostbite.
Mind the weather
Exercising while it is precipitating out can make you and your body more vulnerable to the cold, try to avoid exercise outdoors if it is below freezing (0F or -17.8C) or the wind chill in your area makes it ‘feel’ that way. Consider exercising indoors, perhaps at your local Anytime Fitness in Lima, Ohio or even in your own home if road conditions are hazardous due to the weather.
For instance, you can move your furniture around like you have been intending to do, clean the whole house top-to-bottom or even simply play a rousing game of Wii Fit, an excellent way to help you stay in shape through video games.
Against the wind
When starting out run against the wind to help keep your temperature in check as your body temperature increases from your workout. On the second half of your workout, head with your back to the wind, by the time you’re doing this a cold breeze from behind will be most welcome and your body temperature will be maintained more consistently.
Summary
With the above tips in mind you should always know when you should stop and when you need to drink, just as in warm weather your body needs to stay hydrated so drink water or sports drinks before, during and after your workout, even if you’re not really thirsty.
If you ever feel numbness in your cheeks, nose, ears, hands or feet, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation, stop exercising right away and get indoors. These are the early signs of frostbite and can damage your skin permanently, do not rub the affected area, just stop and get indoors as soon as possible.
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