How to Prepare for Outdoor Winter Exercise

Last updated 3 months ago

Many people gain excess weight during the winter, so it’s important to maintain your normal exercise routine even when the cold weather strikes. However, you can expect your body to react differently to the cold weather, so use the following tips to keep yourself warm and injury-free throughout the winter:

Check the Weather: You don’t want to get half-way into your run only to realize it’s about to downpour or snow, so take a minute to research the current weather conditions. This will give you an idea of whether or not you should wear gloves and a hat, a jacket, or other warm-weather clothes. Depending on the weather and the exercise, your body may get warm fast, so consider wearing items you can easily take off and tie around your waist if necessary.
Stretch Indoors: If you blast your muscles with cold air, then it will take longer for you to warm up and get going, which will put you at greater risk for injury and soreness. Therefore, stretch indoors before you head out. Stretching wakes up the muscles, extends the ligaments, and prepares the body to take on impact and pressure from activities. Stretching also increases vascular flow, which supplies the muscles with oxygen and nutrients.

Give Yourself More Time: In extreme weather, your muscles will work slower, so you may find that it takes longer to complete your regular workout routine. Plus, your lungs will burn from the frigid air, so you may have to take more breaks than normal. To account for this, give yourself plenty of extra time.

If you want more advice on how to stay healthy throughout the winter, then visit Manhattan Total Health. Our premier wellness and med-spa center offers physical therapy services, acupuncture, medical massage, nutrition management, and sports medicine. To learn more, visit our website or call (888) 614-9257 today.