How To Stay Warm While Working Out In Winter
During the winter months, thousands of people slack in their exercise routines because of the cold and a lack of motivation. Though leaving your nice toasty home may not, initially, seem like the best thing for you, it will keep you on track with your exercise and keep you happy and healthy. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you get enough exercise, despite the cold, by staying warm while you do it.
You'll need eye protection, particularly in the snow, sleet, or hail brought on my a heavy winter storm. Tinted goggles can also be immensely beneficial for deflecting the glare of the snow, and preventing snow related or glare induced headaches. Consider getting fitted for a pair that contains your prescription, if you normally wear glasses.
Wear moisture wicking gear underneath all your other layers. This is particularly important when it is below freezing. If you let sweat cover your body without a layer of moisture-wicking gear, it will seep into your cotton or polyester skin-most layer, then get cold as it is exposed to the cold temperatures. This will then make you cold, and more prone to illness. Sweat-wicking clothing will draw away the moisture and get rid of it more effectively than cotton, keeping your skin-most layer dry and warm.
Wear a ski mask or balaclava to prevent the wind and cold air from drying out your face and making it cold. This is very important, as most of your heat escapes through the head and face. By covering your head with a thick, breathable balaclava, you will keep your head and face warm.
A pair of pants will be important, even if you typically run or workout in snow. These can be a pair of track pants, a pair of fleece-lined workout pants or a tight layer of moisture-wicking fabric that you wear under some thermal tights.
Heated glove inserts or shoe inserts will deliver a constant supply of heat to your fingers and toes, keeping your extremities nice and toasty. Be careful not to use them if they are leaking, and double up your gloves with the insert in between if they are initially too hot. Never microwave glove or shoe inserts.
Wool or fleece outer layers are very important in a situation where you are going to be exposed to the cold. They trap heat and serve as a wonderful outermost layer as you run.
Consider applying Vaseline or Chapstick to your lips before running, and always run away from the wind, if possible.
Your workout and fitness routines need not be ruined or interrupted by the cold of winter. By simply bulking up on the gear you wear, and being smart about the layers you wear and the times you workout, you can be just as fit and busy working out in the winter as you are in the summer or spring. By following these simple tips, you can stay nice and toasty on your workouts, even on the coldest of days.
