Winter is here, and if you don't mind exercising outside in the colder weather, you should still prepare ahead of time. Snow, rain, wind and icy roads can make for dangerous conditions even if you're used to running or walking in a familiar path. Stay prepared by making sure you're wearing the right footwear and gear to stay warm and protect yourself. Don't forget to still prioritize hydration since it's still important in the wintertime.
As long as you're prepared and safe, exercising outdoors in the winter can be fun and keep you motivated. Some people prefer being out in nature when it's cold because of its health benefits. Before you take your next workout outside, consider these nine winter workout tips for safely exercising in the cold.
Problem: Losing body heat
Moisture-wicking fabric wins the winter months. Getty Images
Solution: Dress dry (not just warm).
Water is one of the most effective heat conductors, meaning it moves heat from the area of highest concentration to the area of lowest concentration. So if you get wet or sweaty while exercising outdoors during the winter, you have a higher risk of losing body heat as water conducts it from your skin to the air.
To prevent soggy clothing and loss of body heat, wear moisture-wicking performance gear: polyester and nylon are good choices. Always stay far, far away from cotton during outdoor winter workouts, because cotton tends to soak up moisture and can add to the chill factor.
Problem: Getting too hot underneath layers
Finding the right outerwear is important for winter workouts. This quarter-zip pullover from Oros Apparel uses Aerogel insulation to keep you warm without added bulk. Oros Apparel
Solution: Choose outerwear you can easily shed.
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