Too Cold To Work Out? We Can Help!


Shutterstock / baranq © Happy young woman running in winter;

By Stephanie Wood, editor of  FitandWell.com.

Stephanie Wood

Stephanie Wood

Top tips on how you can ensure you are prepared to work out in the cold:

1 Go for layers that are easy to take off and tie to your body – it’s freezing when you leave the house, but keep in mind that once you’ve got the blood flowing, you’ll soon feel warmer. So whilst layers are essential, be prepared to take a layer off at some point and tie it round your waist or shoulders. This could be a thin hoody or thin jacket.

Transparent electric kettle with boiling water on table in kitchen;

Pic: Shutterstock

2 Drink hot water before – I always do this. On those super cold days, instead of drinking room temp or cold water before heading out, I have a mug of hot water. It just gets my body nice and toasty before I head out!

Happy young woman running in winter;

Pic: Shutterstock

3 ALWAYS wear a hat – I can run in shorts all year if I wear a hat. It traps in the body heat and it’s great for keeping your ears warm too! I usually go for an old beanie or a cap that I can tighten so there’s no chance of wind blowing it off.

Top view of beautiful young woman in pajamas checking the time while waking up in bed at home;

Pic: Shutterstock

4 Go out first thing – before your body even has a chance to know what’s about to happen. the longer you leave it, the less chance you’ll actually go out and exercise.

5 Arrange your post-exercise set up before you go – lay the towel out, the kettle filled with water, mug out, tea bag in… Just so when you step back inside, it’s all ready and raring to go.

Multi-ethnic pair of female friends taking a break from jogging in the snow in winter;

Pic: Shutterstock

6 Tell a friend – Like with any exercise, making yourself accountable just means you’re so much more likely to do it!

 

Moira Chisholm

I'm the Health Editor on My Weekly and am always interested to hear what's new in this fascinating field. I also deal with the gardening, shopping pages, general features, our website content and the Ask Helen problem page. I have a special interest in Christmas content because I'm on the team for Your Best Ever Christmas Magazine, too!