How Can I Safely Workout in the Winter?
Many people fall off the wagon in regards to their exercise plans during the winter. The weather gets colder, and getting out of bed in the morning becomes more of a chore. Additionally, inclement weather can lead to more injuries.
For those dedicated enough to brave the cold (sometimes even rain or snow), extra steps and measures should be taken to avoid injury and prevent accidents from happening that could require medical assistance. At Healthpointe, your well-being is a priority to us, so we’ve done the research and compiled a list of things exercisers should do to be prepared for their winter workouts.
Warm up.
Warming up with some stretching and light cardio should be standard before every workout, but during the winter, it is even more vital. The risk of straining or tearing a muscle increases in cold weather, but a warm up can help loosen up the muscles to prevent that from happening.
Stay alert!
Be aware of changing weather conditions, and adjust your plans accordingly. If it’s very foggy, visibility may be low, so avoid routes where it would be hard for drivers to see you. If there’s ice on the ground, wear appropriate shoes so as to avoid slipping, and look for icy patches. If it starts to snow and you’re only wearing shorts and a tank-top, it might be a good idea to head home and dress warmly.
Stay hydrated.
It’s easy to forget about the need for water when we’re not panting and sweating as much, but water intake is just as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. People tend to dress warmer in cold weather, so that can sometimes lead to sweating more, resulting in more water loss. Keeping up with your water intake is vital to a safe exercise session.
Dress dry.
Dressing warm can be important, but it is more important to dress in dry and in quick-drying clothes rather than thick, warm clothes. The quickest way to lose body heat is to get and stay wet, according to Everyday Health. In freezing conditions, staying in wet clothes can lead to hypothermia or frostbite. To avoid this, wear clothes made out of polyester or other water-resistant material, so if you do get wet, the soaked clothes won’t stick to you.
Are you dealing with an exercise-related injury? Let us help— check out our appointment page and see one of our doctors today!