With the temperature plummeting this time of year, many of us tend to hibernate inside our homes. But, hibernating is for bears. As humans it's important to stay active through all four seasons. Yet, a recent poll of 5,000 people found that 30 percent get no exercise at all during the winter months.
Winter can frustrate the most motivated exercisers. If you're not so motivated, it's all too easy to pack your workout gear away with your summer clothes. But keeping up your exercise routine in cold weather can be rewarding.
For one thing, it increases energy, which can be sapped by gloomy weather. Exercise also bolsters your immune system — studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. Plus, you won't have to scramble to get in shape for swimsuit season.
There are also many other benefits to exercising in the cold. You use more energy in winter, which equates to burning more kilojoules and as you're burning more energy, you sleep better at night.
By staying fit during winter you'll be able to avoid gaining weight, have a head start on swimsuit season, and avoid losing strength and stamina caused from inactivity. Just as tulips need winter nourishment from the Earth to strongly bloom in spring, humans need to continue to nourish their bodies during winter so they too can bloom come spring.
Here are a few things to be aware of when you're exercising in the cold:
• Get warm first. A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and therefore they are more prone to injuries. So, it's important to get them warmed-up prior to engaging in intense physical activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink water before, during and after your workout — even if you're not thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production.
• Stay motivated. When it's cold outdoors, there's no need to hit the couch. With a little knowledge and fortitude, you can meet the challenges — and reap the rewards — of winter exercise. For many people, the solitude and quiet alone are reason enough to brave the elements.
• No sweat. Don't assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout.
COACH G
Winter can frustrate the most motivated exercisers. If you're not so motivated, it's all too easy to pack your workout gear away with your summer clothes. But keeping up your exercise routine in cold weather can be rewarding.
For one thing, it increases energy, which can be sapped by gloomy weather. Exercise also bolsters your immune system — studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. Plus, you won't have to scramble to get in shape for swimsuit season.
There are also many other benefits to exercising in the cold. You use more energy in winter, which equates to burning more kilojoules and as you're burning more energy, you sleep better at night.
By staying fit during winter you'll be able to avoid gaining weight, have a head start on swimsuit season, and avoid losing strength and stamina caused from inactivity. Just as tulips need winter nourishment from the Earth to strongly bloom in spring, humans need to continue to nourish their bodies during winter so they too can bloom come spring.
Here are a few things to be aware of when you're exercising in the cold:
• Get warm first. A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and therefore they are more prone to injuries. So, it's important to get them warmed-up prior to engaging in intense physical activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drink water before, during and after your workout — even if you're not thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production.
• Stay motivated. When it's cold outdoors, there's no need to hit the couch. With a little knowledge and fortitude, you can meet the challenges — and reap the rewards — of winter exercise. For many people, the solitude and quiet alone are reason enough to brave the elements.
• No sweat. Don't assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout.
COACH G
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