How to Exercise Safely Throughout Winter
The days are closing in on us as we move into the cold and blustery days of winter. That doesn’t however mean we should be hibernating indoors, it’s very important we keep our exercise levels up over the cold months.
What it does mean is that we should take a few extra steps to make sure we stay safe and get the most out of our workout.
PACE’s Winter Workout Tips
Dress Appropriately
Make sure you wear fabrics that keep you dry and warm. Avoid cotton – it soaks up sweat and rain and holds in moisture. Try synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. These are light and are designed to dry quickly.
Make sure you wear layers so you can remove any clothes should you start to get warmer, we don’t want you to sweat. Sweat can evaporate, pulling heat from your body and making you chilly.
Prepare for you Workout
You should always do a warm up, regardless of the season. But it’s especially important to prepare properly for winter workouts. Dynamic warm-ups increase blood flow and temperature in the muscles to help decrease the risk of injuries. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity.
Stay Hydrated
You might not feel as thirsty during exercise in the cold, especially compared to those hot summer sessions! But you’re still losing fluids through sweat so make sure you drink enough water to keep you hydrated. Also remember to drink when you get home as well as during your exercise.
Keep Motivated
It can be hard to get up when it’s super cold and dark, therefore it’s important to find ways that keep you motivated and excited about your exercise. Simple activities like changing your running track, joining an indoor sports team or even finding a heated indoor swimming pool can all bring a bit of zing back into that routine!
Grab a Buddy
We have often spoken about how exercising with a friend or partner can be highly beneficial. Together you can keep each other motivated when either of you start to wane! Together make a plan, set some goals and of course, celebrate those wins!
Get Professional Advice when needed
Of course, if you are living with a chronic condition the winter can sometimes play a role in how this can present itself and can affect your overall performance. Always seek the advice of an expert like one of our Accredited Exercise Physiologists who can give you the right advice for you and your condition.
As always, PACE Health Management is here to support you. Get in touch today to see if we can use exercise to support your health.