{"id":11036,"date":"2016-02-22T10:03:51","date_gmt":"2016-02-22T17:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/?p=11036"},"modified":"2022-07-08T09:41:31","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T15:41:31","slug":"beat-the-chill-8-tips-for-making-your-winter-workout-count","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youngliving.com\/blog\/beat-the-chill-8-tips-for-making-your-winter-workout-count\/","title":{"rendered":"Beat the Chill: 8 Tips for Making Your Winter Workout Count"},"content":{"rendered":"

The chilly weather and shorter daytime hours between November and February can make exercising outside a bit of a drag, but the good news is that when you do lace up those running shoes, you can benefit big time. Not only do you get New Year\u2019s resolutions bragging rights, but you\u2019re also getting fresh outdoor air, exposure to natural light, and a dose of endorphin-boosting exercise. All together, it\u2019s the perfect recipe for keeping you motivated until the days warm up again.<\/p>\n

Here are a few of our suggestions to help you get your blood pumping, even on the coldest of days:<\/p>\n

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1. Watch the weather. Pro tip: Wind chill matters.<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to this helpful article from the Mayo Clinic, wind chill extremes can make exercising outdoors unsafe even if you bundle up. Try to plan your workouts during warmer parts of the day, especially in the midafternoon to minimize your risk of hypothermia.<\/p>\n

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2. Dress appropriately.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Shorter days in the winter mean you might be out after dark, so be sure to wear reflective clothing to stay safe. Choose shoes with good traction and wear layers that you can remove as soon as you start to sweat. Take special care to protect your head, hands, feet, and ears to prevent the cold from taking a toll on these tender extremities.<\/p>\n

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3. Map out your jogging route in advance.<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to this article in Women\u2019s Health<\/em><\/a>, it\u2019s best to pick routes that are down plowed, well-lit streets and sidewalks so you can spot black ice. When you\u2019re out on a walk or jog, stay close to home so you can hurry back in case you begin to get too cold.<\/p>\n

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4. Plan on a shorter cooldown.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Exercise generates a lot of heat, but sweat does an amazing job of cooling your body in a flash. According to Women\u2019s Health, <\/em>you should slow your pace for 3\u20134 minutes and then go inside to stretch. Once you\u2019re inside, take off extra layers and keep moving for another 5\u201310 minutes before showering.<\/p>\n

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5. Avoid stop-and-go activities.<\/span><\/h2>\n

As mentioned before, your sweat is a great conductor for heat loss. Mixing walking and running, for example, makes you more vulnerable to the cold. Try to avoid repeatedly working up a sweat and cooling off to keep hypothermia at bay.<\/p>\n

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6. Stay hydrated.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Just because you can\u2019t see it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re not perspiring like crazy. If you know you\u2019ll be working out later in the day, be sure to drink a little extra in the morning. Consider bringing a small bottle of water with you on longer outings.<\/p>\n

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7. If there is snow on the ground, make the most of it and have some fun!<\/span><\/h2>\n

We found some activities that are so much fun, you may not notice you\u2019re burning a ton of calories, too:<\/p>\n