Cold Weather Benefits

Yes, there are some benefits to cold weather, mainly that you can burn more calories.

Due to the colder temperatures, your body burns calories simply by trying to warm your body to its’ ideal temperature. In addition, however, executing cardio circuit training in frigid temperatures stimulates brown fat (if you are not aware what brown fat is, check out next week’s blog!), which results in greater caloric conflagration.

In addition to burning more calories, working some outdoor exercise time in during the winter is beneficial because it results in getting more sunlight, breathing fresh air, and possibly increases the number of endorphins released. Exercising in winter also might boost your immune system, making it less likely that you will become ill.

Aid your seasonal depression by getting some winter sun!

Now that we have addressed why you would want to take advantage of the cold climate, let us discuss how to properly exercise in the cold.

One of the most important aspects regarding exercising in the cold is how to dress.

To ensure that your body begins and is able to remain at an appropriate temperature, dress in layers. Of course, make sure to wear a supportive sports bra. In addition to this support, the first layer of clothing should be composed of moisture-wicking material. Since you are wearing pants made of moisture-wicking material, you do not have to, but you can, wear underwear. For your next layer, try wearing a fleece or wool sweatshirt. Then, the third layer should be waterproof and mesh. Finally, top all of your layers off with a scarf, gloves, and hat.

Wear layers!

As far as the workout itself is concerned, make sure to warm up well before slipping into more strenuous movement.

If you are a fan of running, running in colder temperatures will help you learn how to breathe more efficiently, and likely increase your speed.

The best way to burn calories, however, is via cardio circuit. If you are not certain where to start, jump roping is a great beginning point, and can be utilized for the warm-up and workout itself.

Workout. Be happy.

Of course, it is also perfectly fine to work out indoors, if that is your preference. If so, try to push yourself to workout outdoors occasionally to gain these benefits and keep your exercise routine interesting via variation.

Picture Sources:

Winter sun: Ian .Capper [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Laughing kid: By http://www.flickr.com/photos/vatobob/ [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons