Temperatures might be falling, but that doesn’t mean your outdoor activities need to! Here are a few tips to keep you warm and safe during the cold months:
- Get motivated! Make a date to meet someone so you can’t wimp out when the blankets are calling your name, or tell yourself you will come back in after 20 minutes if it is really bad. Usually, you will keep going once you get started!
- Get toasty! Warm up your clothes in the dryer for a few minutes before your activity
- Arm your feet! Wear shoes that have the least amount of mesh on them, and thick, warm socks
- Get dressed! Dress as if it was 20 degrees warmer, so you don’t sweat and chill
- Be seen! With daylight ending earlier, make sure you have reflective or fluorescent gear to wear if you are hitting the pavement
- Warm up pre-run! Move around inside enough to get your blood pumping- running stairs, doing jumping jacks, jump squats, etc
- Forget speed- Focus on maintenance miles instead of setting a new record
- Change quickly post run! Putting on fresh clothes can help you avoid a lingering case of the chills
Exercising in chilly temperatures has beneficial and lasting effects on your health as well. Being outdoors and exposing yourself to sunshine has proven to elevate moods and reduce the likelihood of SAD (seasonal affective disorder), rev up your metabolism, and force your body to work harder (that snow can be tricky)! So, stock up on some new warm clothes and pound the pavement!