Breaking the ice on a winter workout

Temperatures are dropping and snow is dusting the sidewalks, has that put a halt on your outdoor workout plan? If you love to get an exercise in outdoors don’t let the chill in the air put your plans on pause.

The checklist

In their article Exercise and cold weather: Tips to stay safe outdoors the staff at Mayo Clinic give some great tips on how to keep your exercise going during the winter months. Here are some of the highlights:

photo by pasukaru76 on Flickr

1.  Layer Up – Three layers are suggested: the first should be sweat resistant, the second should insulate heat to keep your body warm, and the third should be a “waterproof, breathable outer layer”.  If you need some ideas, check out this slideshow by Bleacher Report writer Anderson Melvin on winter workout clothing.
2. Don’t Leave Yourself Open - Make sure you’re covering your hands, head and ears as well to avoid frostbite.
3. Watch The Weather – In extreme temperatures and rough weather conditions, it’s obviously time to switch over to some indoor training.

Working through a cold

Maybe the low temperatures don’t get you down, but the sniffles and watery eyes do. According to the American College of Sports and Medicine (ACSM) it’s okay to continue exercising with the common cold. However, you should avoid intense workouts in this condition, ACSM suggest lighter activity like a walk.  Maintaining some level of exercise may help you recover faster by enhancing your immune system suggests WebMD.   However, if you’re dealing with something more serious (like the flu) you’re going to want to take a few days to rest and recover.

I hope you’re able to stay healthy and active this winter season, do you have a favorite winter routine? Why don’t you share it in a comment?

Committed To Your Fitness Success,

Jeff Sherman