Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to confine your workouts to a gym. There are plenty of tips and tricks that outdoor runners use to continue exercising through fall and winter. And while hot summer weather can tire you quickly, cooler weather stimulates your senses. Plus, you burn more calories during winter runs because you tend to run faster. Let’s look at a few tips for keeping your body temperature up during winter exercise.
- Plan a route: Select a running route with stable footing, as free of snow and ice as possible. Your route should be well lit and plowed, which usually makes afternoons a good time for a run. Many runners select a path that is looped so it’s easy to quit early if you need to without having to turn around and run back a lengthy trail to get home.
Dress appropriately: Layering your clothing is perfect for cold weather because you can remove items as your body warms up. Or, to warm your body quicker so you can wear fewer layers, you can throw your exercise clothes in the dryer for a few minutes before dressing. By the time the fabric cools, your body will be creating its own warmth. One more trick is to wear mittens instead of gloves to keep more warmth in your hands.
- Warm up: Many runners find it helpful to warm up indoors before heading out for a run. Jog in place or do some basic calisthenics for five to ten minutes to help prevent pulled muscles. This helps your body adjust before hitting the colder temperatures.
- Stay hydrated: Though you may not sweat quite as much as you do during summer, winter runners still sweat and need to drink plenty of water. A handy tip is to store your water bottle inside of your jacket or sweatshirt to keep it from freezing along the way.
- Cool down: If you’ve been sweating and you suddenly slow down, the wind can easily give you chills since your skin and clothing are wet. Keep cool downs very short and head back home for indoor stretching.
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