Winter shouldn’t be an excuse for you to stay curled up under the duvet. It might be cold outside, but it doesn’t mean you have to be confined indoors to exercise. If you prepare correctly, there is no reason why staying active through winter can’t be rewarding and even fun.
Here are some of our top tips for exercising during the winter.
Dress for the weather
It’s fashionable to be seen out in your workout clothes these days, but they’re not just designed to show everyone you’re a gym go-er, they’re also designed with the climate, activity, and weather in mind. So, you’ll need to dress for the weather outside. If it’s raining, you’ll need a water-resistant outer layer to keep you dry and prevent you from getting cold. Equally, if it’s windy or there is a wind-chill factor in the air, it’s important to layer up with wind-resistant layers. The last thing you want is to feel underdressed and cold. Remember, too, that even though it may be cold outside, you will still sweat and so it’s important your clothes are water or sweat wicking, to prevent them from freezing.
Hydrate
At HydrateM8 we never underestimate the importance of hydration and that’s why it is one of our top tips for exercising all year round. When it comes to your physical performance, dehydration can negatively affect it and increases the risk of developing an injury. So, it’s vital to drink room temperature water before, during and after your workout, to replace the water you have lost. Consuming it at room temperature means it is easier to drink than water straight from the fridge, too.
You can ensure you’re drinking enough water using our tracker bottles and our active range is perfect for a workout as they have a free-flowing lid and a wide mouth for fast hydration.
Warm up
The warmup is crucial to your exercise routine as it helps to prevent injuries. Warming up your large muscles, like quads and hamstrings with stretches and lunges before going outside, will prepare them for the activity you are about to complete. If you’re heading to the gym, rather than taking the car, why not speed walk? Walking is a great way to warm up your muscles and prepare you for the session ahead.
Don’t skip the cool down
If you’ve been to the gym or an exercise class, you may be desperate to head home but before you do, be sure to cool down and stretch first. Doing so will help prevent injury and prepare your body for the cold weather shock outside.
You’ll need sun cream
Cold weather doesn’t mean your skin won’t burn in the sun; this is especially true if you’re out in the snow. If you’re exercising outside in daylight hours make sure you have applied sun cream to exposed areas of skin.
Summary
Exercising is a vital part of everyday life but during the winter it can be tempting to stay and chill indoors. However, with the correct clothing and preparing your body first, staying active in the cold can still be beneficial, fun and mood boosting.
