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Want to Work Out Outdoors This Winter? Follow These Tips to
Dress For Success
By Alison Dunn
Winter isn't always fun. Snow, ice, freezing rain, searing cold - it
makes us want to bundle up by the fire, not head outside for a workout.
But if you're only working out inside during the winter, you could be
missing out.
"There's something to be said for getting out and using the fresh air to
clear your head," says Sue Abell, a personal trainer and creator of the
Tread Powerfully fitness concept. "I also think that with every changing
season, there is a different physical challenge to overcome that brings
different physical benefits."
Winter is a great time to get outside and strengthen those legs walking
or running on the snow and ice. You may not reach the speeds you do in
the summer, but you work your legs differently to keep you stable in all
that snow. You can also get a great workout by cross-country skiing,
skating or even snowshoeing.
But it isn't always easy getting out when the weather outside is
frightful. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your winter
workout:
Dress in layers: The best way to combat the cold is to dress in several
layers that you can remove if you start getting hot. Abell recommends
the first layer be a moisture-wicking layer to get the sweat away from
your body and prevent you from getting too cold. Add one to two more
layers depending on the temperature, then ensure your top layer keeps
out the wind. The key thing to remember is that, when you first step
outside, you should feel a bit chilled. If you don't feel chilly, when
you're 10 minutes into your workout, you're going to be perspiring
heavily and ripping off layers.
Remember your extremities: Your hands, feet, head and even butt will
feel the cold quicker than other areas, so keep them warm. Anything
that's away from the body will get cold, so get the right
gloves/mittens, socks and hats to keep those extremities warm.
Vests are not your friend: The point of layering is to be able to remove
layers as you get too hot. For most people, the easiest thing to do is
tie that outer layer around the waist. The problem with vests is that
you're unable to do that. And, unless you're willing to throw your vest
on the ground and leave it there, you're stuck carrying it for the rest
of your workout. Not the most effective when you're trying to work out.
But zippers are: You also want your outer layer to be easily accessible,
since you will most likely have to remove it when you start perspiring.
If you have your hair in a ponytail or a big hat, you don't want to take
off a layer which only has a half-zipper. You certainly don't want to
waste time pulling it over your head, use full-zip jackets that are easy
to get off and tie around your waist as your outer wear.
Start reflecting: Let's face it: there aren't a lot of daylight hours in
winter and odds are that at least sometimes, you'll have to be outside
when it's dark. That's why it's important to have reflective gear on
your outer layers to ensure you're easy to see. You may also want to buy
a bike light or a flashing light to help light your own way and make you
more visible to motorists.
About the Author:
Alison Dunn is Editor of Primacy Life, a Canadian-based health, wellness
and fitness website. Primacy Life is published weekly and covers
important topics affecting Canadians everywhere. Visit
http://www.Primacy.ca today. |
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