It can become very challenging to stay active during the winter season and most people lose their motivation to exercise due to shorter days and colder temperatures. However, it is essential to stay physically active to ensure good health and well-being, not just physically, but mentally as well. But, how do you keep yourself motivated and maintain an active lifestyle once the months start becoming colder? Here are some exercise tips that can keep you moving during the winter season.
Layer up properly
One of the biggest challenges you will face during the cold weather during exercise is being able to maintain a comfortable body temperature. You need to wear the right clothing in order to prevent excessive cooling and overheating. The best way you can achieve this is through proper layering. You need to dress in layers because they can help in trapping air between them, which can keep you warm.
This is necessary because your body temperature starts to increase when you exercise and you start sweating. If you are not wearing enough layers, the sweat will cool quickly and you will feel chilled.
Warm up and cool down
Before you begin your exercise routine, it is essential that you take a few minutes to warm up your muscles. This is of the utmost importance during colder weather because there are greater chances of injury when the muscles are cold. To warm up your body, you should perform dynamic stretches, such as lunges, arm circles and leg swings. You can also do some light cardio, such as jogging in place, jumping jacks or walk briskly for a couple of minutes.
Similarly, it is just as important to cool down because it allows your heart rate and breathing to go back to normal gradually. It can also prevent muscle stiffness and soreness. You can finish your exercise through some static stretches, such as quad stretches, hamstring stretches and toe touches.
Select the right footwear
Wearing the right footwear is also key when you are exercising in cold weather. Cold temperatures increase the risk of falling and slipping because they make surfaces slippery. You need to select shoes with non-slip soles and good traction. They also need to be water-resistant, or waterproof, particularly if you are planning on exercising during the rain, or snow. You can also wear insulated boots, or shoes to keep your feet warm during workouts in the cold weather.
Keep yourself hydrated
Another essential tip to bear in mind when exercising during cold months is to keep yourself hydrated. Many people forget to drink water during cold weather because they do not feel as thirsty as they do during hot weather. But, staying hydrated is of the utmost importance because your body will lose fluids through respiration and sweat.
You can stay hydrated when you drink water before, during as well as after the workout. If you are planning on exercising outside, take a water bottle along with you, so you can continue sipping on water.
