Lifestyle /
Five Ways To Make Your Winter Workouts Count
Did you know that exercising in the cold burns more calories? Isn't it worth sacrificing the cozy warmth of your couch for a little fat burning?
When you work out this winter, remember to take a few precautions to avoid the common discomfort caused by the cold; or worse – hypothermia.
Apart from the popular measures like wearing a hat, scarf and gloves, here are five fitness tips to make your winter workouts work for you:
1. Hydration:
Pic credit: coach.healthytrim.com
Stay hydrated at all times. Often, we don’t think about drinking plenty of water before, after and during winter workouts.
Keeping yourself hydrated is as important during winters as it is during summers. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty as it means you are already dehydrated. Hydration also helps you with dry skin that is a common complaint in the weather.
However, steer clear of an over-consumption of sports drinks unless you are exercising for sustained periods.??
2 Layering:
Pic Credit: fitness.popsugar.com.au
?Make sure the first or innermost layer of your clothes is a moisture wicking, synthetic material that draws sweat away from the body. Cotton should be avoided as it absorbs sweat, increasing the possibility of causing chills.
The second layer should be a fleece material for insulating and keeping your body warm.
The third and final layer needs to be wind or water proof. Don’t forget to protect your ears and hands. When you run or walk outside, your body heat is directed towards your core leaving the exterior colder. Always use a head wrap or ear muffs and gloves.??
Wear fewer, thinner layers of clothing, rather than one single, heavy layer. Cool down gradually after your workout by taking off a layer at a time.
3 Warm-up:?
Pic credit: lifestyle.yahoo.co.nz
Colder weather leads to tighter muscles and joints. It’s easy to pull a muscle when you’re exercising in lower temperatures.
To avoid this, practice dynamic movement stretches to get your blood flowing and body warmed up before the exercise. Try bringing your knees up to your chest, doing walking lunges or taking a brisk lap before you begin.?
If you experience side pains while exercising in the cold, try wearing a face mask. It helps warm the air before it reaches your lungs, lessening the chance of side pains.??
Don't ignore the warning signs that you may be cold. Symptoms of frostbite include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation. If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area. Do not rub, as it can damage the skin. If numbness persists, visit a doctor.
4 Shoes:
Pic credit: picsbox.biz
Whether you live in a blizzard-prone climate or a town that only sees patches of ice on a rare occasion, it’s important to have safe traction in your shoes.
Try using a trail shoe during the winter, but not the heavy, hiking one. New Balance offers trail/running shoes that are lightweight and have great traction for slippery floors.
6 Mix it up:
?As much as you might hate hopping on the treadmill, try to mix up your exercise routine at least once a week.
Your body always works harder in extreme temperatures, so giving it a break every now and then is a good idea.
Try an indoor class or strength-training in an indoor setting. It’s also a great idea to practice a less strenuous workout one day a week to ease out the strain. It’ll make you feel better and your muscles will surely appreciate it.
No matter what the temperature, always listen to your body. Hopefully, these tips will help you understand what your body is saying, as you stay fit this winter.
Feature Image: Thinkstock
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
How To Host The Perfect South Asian Holiday Dinner
-
ANOKHI's Holiday Gift Guide For Thoughtful Desi Presents For The Home & Beyond
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
