Everyone is a house with four rooms - a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time. However, if we don't go into every room, every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person. ~Indian axiom
Some people seem to think winter is a reason to hunker down and stop exercising. We've even heard that it's impossible to exercise in the cold. Let's debunk the myth immediately - turn on the television and check out all the football players wearing short sleeves in the snow. Then think about all the skiers. Exercising in the cold is not going to kill you! Some people even prefer it - we'd take winter running over summer running any day of the year. One benefit of winter running is that we actually run faster (to warm up).
Get up and get out! Life doesn't stop for weather. You don't want your blood to congeal in your veins, do you? You might need to bundle up a little more, but go for your regular walks. Things look different in the cold - check out the winter light and admire the bare silhouettes of trees without leaves. You might feel chilled at first, but your body will definitely warm up and what felt like not enough clothing might feel like too much - dress in layers.
What to do - Exercise in the Winter
- Keep your routine going. If you're a morning or evening exerciser, don't change it for the weather.
- Motivate. If the idea of getting outside makes you cringe, make it easier on yourself. Lay your clothes out early so you don't have to spend time looking for them. Find a friend to go with. Think about how good the hot chocolate and hot shower will be when you get back.
- Layer up. You'll get better at figuring out what works for you at certain temperatures. For us, this simple formula works for running (in degrees Fahrenheit):
- 50+: shorts and short sleeves
- 40+: running tights, long sleeves (+ a running vest it it's low 40's), and a hat
- 30+: running tights, long sleeves, a fleece, warm hat and gloves
- 20's and below: running tights, sweatpants, t-shirt, long sleeves, a fleece, fleece hat and gloves
- Have fun! Remember how you used to be able to play for hours in the snow? This is your chance to relive that joy.
Get out and get your cheeks flushed. You'll look and feel great! Here's another take on cold weather running by Food-Fitness-Fresh Air.
What I ate: 1 grapefruit, macadamia nuts, 1 latte, fancy tea: 1.5 pots of tropical green tea, 1/4 egg, 1/4 cucumber, 1/4 watercress, 1/4 turkey sandwiches, 1 can Progresso Chicken + Wild Rice soup, baby carrots, hummus, 40 oz. water
Exercise: 6 mile run, 20 minutes lifting
