Staying Warm: How To Dress for Winter Exercise

Curling into a flannel-covered hibernating creature isn’t an option during winter months, not when there’s so much you can do outside, even if it’s snowing! The CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine highlight the importance of staying active, even when the temperatures drop. 

Knowing how to dress for winter exercise is key to keeping cold-related issues like hypothermia or frostbite at bay. We’re here to provide useful tips to keep you safe and warm even on snow days. 

Don’t let cold weather freeze out your health and fitness routine!

Know the Basics

It’s not just snow and ice you should watch out for—don’t forget about wind chill. Wind seems harmless enough until it blows through your layers of clothes and pushes out the insulating layer of warmth that you’ve created.  

Wind chill can make working out in the winter uncomfortable and even dangerous no matter how many layers you have on. For example, the risk of frostbite increases as wind chill falls. Before stepping out to exercise, check your weather forecast to see if it’s better to consider an indoor workout that day instead. 

How To Dress for Winter Exercise and the Cold

Now that we’ve established that the wind chill is favorable, our next step is to dress properly.

Dressing for exercise and dressing for going out are two different things. You don’t want to bundle up for working out.

Remember that working out makes you sweat, and when you stop moving, that sweat could increase your chill. 

Layers Keep You Warm and Dry

The best way to stay warm when being active outdoors is to layer your clothes.

Don’t just put on thick sweaters and a puffy coat. Instead, consider three important parts of layering: the base layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer. 

Base layers are closest to your body and should be snug but loose enough for you to breathe. Always choose moisture-wicking materials, never anything like cotton that can trap sweat and freeze you quicker. There are different weights to base layers, so pick one appropriate to your level of activity and how long you plan on being outside. 

Next, the middle layer insulates you, which traps the heat and keeps you nice and warm. Wool or fleece are great materials to fit over your base layer.

Finally, your outer layer is what prevents wind, snow, or rain from chilling you. Anything that is water- and wind-resistant but also ventilates should keep you comfy and safe. 

Layers allow you to take off an item if you get too hot, so bring a bag to hold layers if you need to add or subtract a few. 

Knowing how to dress for winter exercise means knowing how to layer up. With these layers, you are ready to step outside and get as active as you want!

Take Care of Your Extremities

Your body is nicely protected with layers, but don’t forget about your hands, feet, and head. 

Cotton isn’t great as a winter sock material. Try choosing fabrics like Mohair or Drynamix polyester to keep your toes from getting soggy. Take it one step further by getting water-resistant shoes for snow or puddles. 

Protect your hands and keep them from chapping with flexible gloves, and cover your head or even your full face, depending on the weather outside. 

Keep Yourself Safe

Some activities, like skiing or ice skating, may require some protective winter equipment like ski goggles, helmets, and more. 

These can help protect you if you suddenly fall or need to protect your eyes against the snow. 

Working Out Indoors

Remember, indoor workouts are always an option if it’s simply too cold outside. If you’re going to the gym, it’s important to stay layered to avoid losing any heat when you open the door and step outside. 

The best way to successfully keep yourself and your family fit and healthy is to layer up!

Pair your workouts with a healthy diet, learn more about winter superfoods here!