Fitness is essential year-round, and you can effectively complete winter workouts. However, you must protect yourself and stay healthy during the season. If you’re interested, read these five health tips for outdoor winter fitness today!
Drink plenty of fluids
Hydration is just as important during the winter as it is during the summer. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your workout because you can become dehydrated in the cold. When you’re preparing for a workout or recently completed one, you can drink nutritious teas that can support your immune system and provide relief from the cold weather. For example, a winter wellness tea blend is among the winter health formulas that you can consume throughout the season.
Protect your head, hands, feet, and ears
When exercising during the winter, your blood flow focuses on your body’s core, leaving other body parts vulnerable to frostbite. Particularly, your head, hands, feet, and ears are places highly susceptible to the effects of the cold. You must protect these areas with hats, gloves, thermal socks, and shoes. If you’re a hiker, it’s important to protect yourself throughout your adventures. Wearing a lightweight or fleecy pair of gloves is one of the ways to stay warm on winter hikes.
Start workouts with a warm-up
It’s best to start any workout with a warm-up, but it’s critical to do one before an outdoor winter workout. When you exercise in colder temperatures, you have an increased chance of strains and sprains. You can get your blood flowing by doing a low-intensity warm-up (arm swings, lunges, or squats) that stretches your muscles.
Know the Signs of Frostbite
Mood elevation is one of the mental health benefits of the great outdoors. However, being outdoors during the winter too long can lead to health problems. Although, so you can enjoy your winter workout, be mindful and know the signs of frostbite.
Signs of Frostbite
- Cold skin and prickly feeling
- Numbness
- Stinging sensation
- Abnormal skin color (red, white, bluish-white, or purple)
- Joint and muscle stiffness
Dress Properly for the Activity
You must dress properly for your outdoor winter activity. Whether you’re hiking, jogging, or skiing, you must prepare for the cold. If you’re not sure about what to wear, you can follow the guide to extreme cold weather clothing and gear for suggestions.
After reading our five health tips for outdoor winter fitness, we hope you feel ready to take on different activities! Please remember to stay warm, hydrate, and prepare your body for the cold weather. Have fun enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.
Comments