Outdoor Exercise: Winter Tips

PGX-winter-workout

During the Winter, it can get pretty cold in many parts of the country. And the days are short too. Outdoor exercise can be a tough proposition when you’re up against these conditions, but Winter offers so many heart-pumping activities that double as a great workout, you don’t want to stay locked up inside!

Here are my tips for enjoying outdoor exercise during winter:

Plan for the Dark

Most of us get up in the dark and come home in the dark, so when possible, outdoor exercises either should be done earlier in the evening or late morning for safety reasons. If you are planning on exercising outside either before the sun rises or after it sets, make sure to wear reflective clothing and bring a small flashlight with you.

Take advantage of the weekends and use the glorious hours of daylight sunshine as a motivator! Did you know that you’re likely to burn more calories exercising outdoors during the winter [1]? This is because your body needs to work harder regulating your temperature. So brave the cold, and get your heart pumping outside!

Layers are Good

The great thing about dressing in layers is that you can take them off as you warm up. It’s easy to wrap a long sleeve jacket around your waist or put your ear warmers and gloves into your pocket.

Dressing in layers is the perfect way to ensure your body doesn’t chill or overheat during your workout. Start your warm up fully layered, and as you progress, your body will tell you when it’s time to start removing layers. Once you cool down, you should get those layers back on.

It’s a good idea to use layers made from moisture wicking fabrics, to keep your body from feeling damp with sweat.

Outdoor Exercise: Winter Tips

Drink a lot of Water

Your body may not feel thirsty during winter because your body’s thirst response acts differently when you’re cold, versus when you’re feeling overheated and hot [2]. It’s easy to become dehydrated during winter, so remind yourself to hydrate before, during, and after an outdoor winter workout.

Take Advantage of the Small Crowds

During winter a lot of people hermit and stay indoors. But I can personally say that hiking during winter is not only a great workout, but it also offers a reprieve from the busy summer trails. Enjoying the beauty of nature while moving your body is one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways to exercise during winter.

Whether it’s urban hiking through your favourite city or driving to a state park or hiking area, just keep that body moving and you’ll be good to go!

References:

[1] Hall, Alena. “7 Big Benefits Of Exercising Outside This Winter.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2016.

[2] Walters, Jennipher. “Don’t Let Winter Dehydration Slow Down Your Workouts With These Tips.” Don’t Let Winter Dehydration Slow Down Your Workouts With These Tips. Shape Magazine, n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2016.