7 Big Benefits Of Exercising Outside This Winter
Suiting up with enough layers made of moisture-wicking fabricskeeps the body at a healthy temperature and functioning the same way it wouldin any other workout environment.
-You’ll burn more calories:
As the body works harder to regulate its core temperature amongthe elements, you'll burn a more calories during your wintry workout comparedto one conducted indoors.
-You'llstrengthen your heart.
Cold weather also makes your heart work harder to distribute bloodthroughout the body. These cold-weather sessions, better prepare the body formore strenuous workouts in the future -- not to mention other non-exercisestresses in life.
You'll feel happier and more energized.
Cold-weather exercise also has the ability to boost one’s mood, thanksto the lack of humidity (which creates that heavy air feeling in the summermonths) and the stimulating aspect of the chill. As the body works harder tostay warm, the amount of endorphins produced also increases, leaving you with astronger sense of happiness and lightness following a workout in the cold.
You'll drink more water.
Staying hydrated is one of the most important factors inminimizing the dangers of cold-weather workouts. The body continues to sweat,but that sweat evaporates more quickly into the chilly, dry air, making it seemas though the body is losing less water. Cold-weather workoutshelps maintain peak performance, protect the body from injury and stay warmfrom start to finish. Don't wait to feel thirsty to hydrate!
You'll build a tolerance for the freezing elements.
It can feel downright painful to force your-self out into theelements for the first workout of the winter season, but rest assured that overtime, it does get easier. Pay particular attention to theamount of effort you're putting forth rather than hitting certain time,distance or other performance goals, and try to just enjoy the process.
You'll remember the importance of warm-up and cool-down routines.
Proper warm-up and cool-down movements are crucial to keeping thebody in top fitness shape, but they become even more important when it's coldoutside.
You'll get a dose of vitamin D.
Sure, it may be cold, but that doesn't mean the extra sun exposurewon't supply you with the same critical nutrients it does throughout the warmerparts of the year. Just remember to wear your sunscreen (yes, even when it'sfreezing).