Winter Exercise Tips

Exercising in winter brings a few challenges, namely staying warm and comfortable. But don’t be discouraged. There’s no reason to hibernate and store away your fitness gear. Keep active through winter to boost your mood and keep in shape.

Regular exercise in winters will make you feel more energetic, which should make it a little easier to get out of your warm bed on cold, dark mornings.

Winter Exercise Tips

     Give yourself adequate layering. Wear an inner layer of hydro polyester to wick moisture from your body. Use a middle layer of fleece or other insulating synthetic. Make sure your outer layer is windproof and waterproof.
    
     Remember to wear goggles if you’re skiing to protect your eyes from corneal freezing.
Exercising outdoors early in the morning or after work can pose another challenge in winter darkness. Wear reflective clothing; headlamps and blinking lights clipped to bikes and belts also help.

     For your safety, team up with a friend, join a training group or stay on busy, well-lit paths, streets and sidewalks. You might also consider changing your schedule to accommodate a mid-day workout.
Cold temperatures mean dry air, which spells trouble for your skin. So hydrate inside and out.  Drink plenty of water, rub on moisturizing cream or lotion after showering and apply lip balm with sunscreen before, during and after your workout.
  
    Whenever exercise is stopped or paused for any longer than a couple of minutes, take off any wet clothes as soon as possible and put on a jacket and tracksuit pants to avoid getting a chill.