How to Protect Your Body During Winter Exercise

winter exercise

Stay Protected During Winter Exercise

Winter exercise is great as long as you are ready to battle the elements. From cold weather to whipping wind, check out these methods for staying protected while working out outside this winter!

Your guide for safe winter exercise…

Winter exercise is a great idea to keep up you in good shape.

If you formed this habit, you must also be cautious. Winter’s temperatures can harm your body.

So, make sure you take caution before you go out. These are the basic aspects you should take into consideration.

Check Your Health Status

How to Protect Your Body During Winter ExerciseAs the cold winter days are approaching, you still want to continue your morning practice. However, there are cases when it’s better to interrupt your exercising program or change the type of activity you practice. If you know you have a chronic condition, go to a regular medical check-up. Ask your doctor if it’s okay to continue exercising during this period.

Normally, exercise is recommended for almost everyone, but low temperatures can worsen your condition if you suffer from certain ailments like asthma. People suffering from heart diseases are also particularly sensitive during this time of the year. It might be safe for you to work out, but a doctor should express this opinion.

There is also the possibility to adapt your program and perform easier exercises that won’t be too harsh on your body. Another solution is to practice by taking long walks until the cold weather is gone. You’ll stay in shape until spring when you can take up to your normal workout again.

Dress Properly

As temperatures are getting lower, you must make sure your body is protected. Your performance will be affected if you don’t wear the proper clothing and so will your health. Don’t forget to check your sports clothing and see if you have the necessary winter gear to keep you protected. The most effective way to dress during winter is in layers. While you practice your body’s temperature rises and you start to sweat.

Multiple layers allow you to take off some of the items during a workout. After you’ve finished, put them back on. The piece of clothing that is in direct contact with your skin should be made up of synthetic material. This will help sweat dry. If you put a cotton item instead, this will remain wet, and you will get cold.

Protect Your Skin

Your skin is particularly sensitive in the cold months. Even when you are not practicing, it’s still recommended to protect your skin with nourishing cream. Your face and hands come in direct contact with the cold temperatures, so use the cream on a daily basis. This will prevent it from getting dry and cracked. A multivitamin cream will keep your skin soft and healthy. If you are into bioproducts, there are plenty of alternatives. You can craft your own amazing DIY body lotion.

Understand When You Are at Danger

How to Protect Your Body During Winter ExerciseYou might have found the best ways to stay active this winter, but you will also need to find out when your body is at risk. Hypothermia and frostbite are the most common outcome of low-temperature body exposure. Learn some basic facts about these two conditions to be able to recognize them.

  • Hypothermia means that your body temperature is way below the standard. Working out during cold puts you at a greater risk because your body loses heat faster. If your body shivers uncontrollably, you feel tired, and are no longer able to coordinate your body, it might be the onset of hypothermia. Find help immediately.
  • A frostbite is a form of skin damage caused by low temperatures. The areas that are more exposed, such as the hands, face, or feet become numb and don’t respond to any stimuli. Get back home immediately and try to warm them. If the condition persists, ask for medical assistance.

Drink Enough Water

When you exercise on cold days, you don’t have the sensation of the same thirst as you do in normal conditions. However, your body still needs to be hydrated. No matter how cold it’s outside, you still sweat while you exercise. This means that your body loses fluids and nutrients. You need to make up for the missing quantities with sufficient water.

Wrap-Up

Exercising is a great way to keep your body strong and healthy.

The cold weather shouldn’t be an obstacle or an excuse not to practice winter exercise.

Just consider the risk factors we mentioned above and prepare yourself accordingly or if you are staying inside, check out this muscle-toning workout!

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Josh is the founder of DIY Active - your at home fitness source! He enjoys blending the latest science and expert advice with health practices to help you exercise smarter at home!
Josh Anderson
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