It’s easy to fall out of shape during the winter, but if you can continue weight training in cold weather, you will quickly feel the many benefits it provides to both your mind and body.
It’s easier to be active and outdoorsy when the weather is nice, but how many of us want to hibernate indoors and wait for the sun to return once it gets chilly out? The Winter season is typically a time when many people put exercise on the back burner. Still, if you are brave enough to leave the heater behind, you may find many health benefits to weight training, no matter how chilly or sunny it is.
Are you interested in learning more? Keep reading!
How Weight Training in Cold Weather Can Improve Your Life
Workout Your Heart
Chilly weather might feel uncomfortable at first, but it forces your body and cardiovascular system to work out harder. Your heart has to work harder to circulate blood through your entire body, which means your weight training in cold weather also works out your heart to keep it in great shape.
As we grow older, cardiovascular disease becomes a genuine concern and remains one of the most prevalent health issues in this country. Any time you can improve the health and strength of your heart is an excellent bonus for your quality of life.
Give Your Immune System a Boost
Cold and flu season is in full spring as the temperature drops, and it becomes increasingly difficult not to be hit by bugs and viruses. When you exercise, you not only fight back against any symptoms of the flu or a cold, you also strengthen your immune system from catching illnesses in the first place.
Your immune system works even harder and is better prepared to fight foreign invaders and runny noses.
Feeling Bummed or Tired? Get a Workout!
They don’t call it the winter blues for no reason. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a common threat during winter and can make you feel down, depressed, or just off—despite the abundant holiday cheer and yummy seasonal winter cocktails. Those with SAD experience mood changes that are very close to depression, and these symptoms tend to happen during fall and winter as sunlight starts to fade.
SAD can interfere with your daily operations and can feel overwhelming and distressing. However, you can help stave off SAD through exercise, which can release endorphins and help you start feeling great again. Studies show that a great workout is four times more likely to help you feel better than antidepressants. Plus, getting fit outside allows you to breathe in the fresh air and get some vitamin D from the sun.
Weight Training in Cold Weather Burns More Calories
Weight training as a wintertime activity supercharges your typical sweat session because cold weather maxes out your caloric burn. Your body works much harder to regulate your core temperature to stabilize you. As your body works harder to remain warm, your metabolism kicks in full-time, allowing you to burn more fat and calories.
It’s easy to slack off because the weather isn’t ideal, but weight training in cold weather allows you to get creative in your fitness journey. You may end up trying completely new routines.
Embrace every aspect of cold-weather training, from snowboarding to swimming in cold water, an activity that helps your blood circulate and alleviates anxiety.
Are you interested in learning more? Keep reading!
