 Winterize Your WorkoutIt may be cold outside, but that’s still no excuse not to exercise. Working out in the wintertime may take a little extra planning, but there are still plenty of ways to stay active during the cooler months of the year. And don’t forget about all the winter sports that aren’t an option the rest of the year. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your cold-weather workouts. If you’re starting a new fitness routine, just be sure to talk to your doctor first.Put Safety First If you plan to work out outdoors this season, make safety a priority. First and foremost, you need to be warm. Dress for the weather by wearing lightweight layers. Steer clear of cotton, which traps sweat in and can increase the risk of hypothermia in colder temperatures. Instead, start with a thin base layer in a high-tech fabric that dries quickly and is designed to wick moisture away from the skin. Then, add additional layers as needed, depending on how cold it is. The outermost layer should be wind- and water-resistant so it can guard against the elements. Finally, don’t forget to protect your head, hands and feet. These extremities are especially vulnerable to the cold, so it’s important to keep them warm. Wear a hat and gloves, and choose footwear that will give you plenty of traction in wet, slushy conditions. Staying warm isn’t the only safety concern when you’re exercising outdoors in the winter months. Visibility is also key. With less hours of daylight at this time of year, it’s important to wear clothing with reflective strips so it’s easier for people to see you. And just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean there’s no risk of sunburn or dehydration. So slather on the sunscreen and drink plenty of liquids. Don’t Forget to Warm Up Warming up before you exercise is especially important when you’re going to be out in the cold. If you can, warm up before you go outside. That way, your body will already be warm when you head out and you can get right to your workout. Warming up will also help guard against injuries to your muscles and joints, which can occur more easily when you’re cold. Take Advantage of the Weather Wintertime doesn’t have to put a damper on your exercise routine. Instead of dreading it, why not look on the bright side? Exercising in the cold, crisp air can be very exhilarating. And if you live in an area where there’s snowfall, just think of all the possibilities that opens up. You can ski, snowshoe or ice skate. All of these activities are great ways to burn calories, stay fit and have fun while you’re at it. Even just walking or playing out in the snow is a great workout. In the same way that hiking gives your muscles and joints even more of a workout than walking on flat terrain, the uneven nature of the snow itself will give your workout an added boost. Just be careful and wear proper footwear to prevent falls. Too Cold? Move Your Workout Indoors When it’s too cold to exercise outside, take your workout inside instead. From gyms and indoor pools to exercise videos, there’s no shortage of options available. And the cold weather is the perfect excuse to try an indoor workout you haven’t done before. For example, why not try that new yoga studio you’ve been meaning to check out? Doing new activities is a great way to help keep your exercise routine interesting, not to mention motivating. After all, it’s a lot more fun to alternate your workouts than it is to keep doing the same thing over and over again. And the more you mix it up and do different things, the more your muscles and joints will benefit. While you’re exercising and taking care of your joints, don’t forget to take Move Free® Advanced daily. With three formulas to choose from – Move Free® Advanced Triple Strength, Move Free® Advanced Plus MSM, and Move Free® Advanced Triple Strength Plus MSM & Vitamin D – supporting your joint health is as easy as choosing the one that’s right for you. Stick With It While it may take a little more discipline to stick with your workout routine during the winter, it’s definitely worth the effort. By making time for exercise year-round, you’ll be happier and healthier in the long run. |
