Just because it's cold outside, doesn't mean you have to put your exercise routine on ice. Not only is outdoor exercise during the chilliest season of the year possible, it's actually good for you and provides additional health benefits when compared to huffing and puffing in the gym or struggling through a routine amidst a sea of household clutter.
Scientists tell us that those who participate in outdoor activities are less likely to get colds than individuals that transition to indoor exercising alone. Preposterous you say? Not really. When you continue exposure of your body to the weather, you become acclimated to whatever Mother Nature can dish out, while boosting your natural endorphin levels a natural immunity to the disease and pestilence spread during this season. Additionally, gyms, malls and other famous indoor winter exercise spots run on re-circulated air. You guessed it, the more germs you breath in, the more likely you are to become infected with the latest bug.
While out door exercise brings with it some fantastic benefits, the bad news is that you might have to make some modifications to your normal routine to compensate for whatever Jack Frost has in store. It might be necessary to pick up some new exercises altogether if you live in an area where conditions of ice and snow can become extreme. Yet, before you start sifting through the want ads to see if Santa has any openings to pull his sleigh in order to change up your exercise routine, consider these options first:
Snowshoeing
Not only is this a challenging sport, but also it's a way for you to blaze trails through untouched virgin powder while burning over 500 calories per hour.
Cross country skiing
In rural areas, this can be a better way to pick up a gallon of milk than jumping in your pick up truck. Not only is cross-country skiing a very popular wintertime sport, but it's easy to learn and will burn around 600 calories per hour.
Snow Biking
This is a great way to stay fit during winter, by placing a pair of good, high traction tires on your bike and taking off on journeys all around your neighborhood.
Of course if you are lucky enough to live in an area of the country where you have clean sidewalks this season, you can keep up your normal routine going hiking, running or walking, and merely modify your attire to include a few more layers.
Winter exercise tips:
Check with your doctor Get the nod of approval prior t picking up any exercise program.
Dress for the weather Dress in layers in order to protect your body and keep your core warm. However, don't overdo it. You are going to be outdoors working up a sweat, so don't put on two parkas and an overcoat.
Socks & Gloves Your feet and your hands will get cold before any other part of your body. Make sure to cushion your feet in some cozy socks and put gloves on your hands.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses The reflection of the sun off of the snow can cause skin damage and eye damage. Keep both on, and keep both handy.
Head toward the wind Be mindful of the wind chill factor when dressing for outdoor exercise, and when going out for your daily grind, make sure that you head into the wind. You are less likely to feel chilled.
Drink lots of water and know your body Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and listen to your body. If at any time you feel at risk, it's time to head indoors and call your doctor. When you exercise try to carry a cell phone in one of your pockets, just in case.
If you're still mulling the idea of whether or not an outdoor exercise program is for you this winter, try this routine for a week:
Day 1: Walk outdoors for 1 hour
Day 2: Take a hike over hilly terrain for 1 hour
Day 3: Pick up the pace, and do a light jog outdoors for at least 30 minutes. If jogging isn't your cup of tea, speed walk instead, pushing your time to an hour.
Day 4: Now you're ready. Your body has had time to adjust to the weather and your lungs are prepped for wintertime exercise. Go for a run or a brisk hike in your neighborhood and feel the burn.
Day 5: Keep it up. Lather, rinse and repeat, making adjustments according to your level of fitness.
You'll see and feel the difference in your health, your body and your mindset as you take your routine outdoors this winter. Good luck and great health!