by Morgan Medeiros

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: December 10, 2008

Exercising outdoors can be a refreshing change of pace to stuffy, overcrowded gyms. This can be especially beneficial in the winter, when many encounter the "winter blues." Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, improving your overall mood. The vitamin D acquired from exposure to the sun also helps ward against a Vitamin D deficiency, which is linked to depression. In addition, exercise will help keep away unwanted pounds due to heavy holiday food.

Given the slick surfaces and cooler conditions present in the winter months, it's more important than ever to consider appropriate exercise gear. It can be tempting to wear two pairs of socks to keep feet warm and dry, but this can actually cause the socks to rub together and create blisters. Instead of layering, wear one pair of insulated running socks. Avoid puddles and slush, and consider investing in trail shoes if you will be running on top of snow. Otherwise, make sure that shoes will provide appropriate traction on slippery surfaces before heading out.

When it comes to apparel, layering is best. If you don't want to remove clothing during the duration of your exercise, you may have to experiment with different combinations of clothes to see what works best for you. Forty percent of body heat is lost through your head, and many people prefer to wear knit beanie-style hats or ear warmers when exercising. Both keep your ears warm, but hats keep in more heat. As for your upper body, start with a base layer that will wick the sweat away from your body, such as a synthetic DryFit fabric. Cotton fabrics will absorb sweat and keep the wet material on your body. After the base layer, wear a fabric that will insulate body heat enough to keep you warm, but release enough heat to prevent overheating. Once your body has been insulated, cover the insulating layer with a waterproof liner, such as a windbreaker. This will allow heat to escape, but keep your insulating and sweat-wicking layers from becoming soaked by rain or snow.

Your lower body will generate quite a bit of heat during exercise, and therefore does not need as much insulation as the upper body. A pair of running tights or a pair of thin, synthetic athletic pants should be sufficient, or the two can be layered. If you will be exercising early or late in the day, when it is still dark, be sure to wear some sort of reflective device so that approaching vehicles can make appropriate adjustments in order to avoid you. The winter is a hazardous time for drivers

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