When temperatures drop, all you want to do is curl up and pull the blankets over your head. Instead, try four exercise tips during winter to heal your mind and body and have an amazing outdoor cold-weather adventure!
Just because it’s hibernation season, there’s no reason you have to stop the physical activity because it’s cold outside.
In fact, exercising in cold weather has some incredible benefits that warm-weather workouts don’t offer. For one, you end up burning more just to keep your body warm and activated. Plus, you end up sweating less, and the crisp fresh air can be refreshing.
Staying active regularly improves your muscle strength and increases your stamina and endurance. Exercising is great for your body and can reduce heart disease. Moving around is healthy for your brain and mental health, which allows you to feel and stay happy.
Exercise Tips During Winter
1. Prepare for Your Winter Workout
If you are planning on outdoor workouts, it’s important that you layer up properly in case the temperature drops. Ideally, you should have three layers. The base layer should be a moisture-free material that doesn’t absorb your sweat. Wet clothing will lower your core temperature and make you feel cold very quickly. The next layer should be a material that keeps you nice and warm. The final layer should be windproof and waterproof to protect against wind and rain.
Finally, don’t forget to protect your hands and head by wearing gloves and a comfy hat that covers your ears.
3. Stay Hydrated With Lots of Water
Anytime you work out, it’s imperative that you drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is just as essential during the colder months as it is during the heat. Part of being safe is drinking water or sports drinks right before, throughout, and after working out, even if you aren’t feeling thirsty.
You can easily dehydrate even in the cold just from breathing, sweating, and facing the wind. It can be harder to notice that your body needs water during the winter.
On top of that, studies show that your mood can be improved with water intake. In fact, the amount of water you drink can impact whether you feel good or not. People who tend to drink plenty of water tend to feel calmer and stress-free.
The more water you drink, the happier you tend to feel.
4. Take a Swim in a Heated Pool
Few things can compare to a nice swim in a heated pool. Many people use swimming pools for physical therapy as the warm water helps relax muscles and can be easier on your joints. Take a break from the usual winter activities and swim a few laps or stretch. Best of all, when you are ready to go home, you’ll feel warm and relaxed!
Swimming is the fourth most popular physical activity in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. Exercising in water not only improves your physical health but also impacts your mental well-being. Swimming, in particular, releases feel-good chemicals like noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, which help you calm down and reduce anxiety.
You don’t have to stop doing things during the winter months. It is possible to remain fit by staying active. Studies show that even 30 minutes of exercise five days a week is instrumental for your physical and mental health. Still, even five to 10 minutes every day can do incredible things like improve your mood, get slim, and increase your heart health.
Exercising boosts chemicals in our brain that can enhance how you feel, including endorphins which have a painkilling effect. So, the more you work out, the better you end up feeling.
Stay on track with your fitness goals, one step at a time!
Follow more exercise tips during winter here.
