Happy & Healthy

8 TIPS FOR WORKING OUT

IN THE COLD

May-Britt discovered the world of bootcamps, so come rain or come sunshine, every Saturday morning you can find her working out in a park. Right, May? I’m impressed. I prefer hiding out in the gym when the temperatures are down.

I recently wrote about bootcamp essentials and how to be comfortable when you are outdoors, but when the temperatures really drop, I’ve got a list of ways to stay as warm as possible.

It’s important to keep your muscles warm to avoid tears or sore muscles the following day. So make sure to either wear something warm right after working out or take a hot shower. Here are a few other tips for a good outdoor workout in the cold.

• The most important body parts to keep warm are your wrist, ankles and your ears. If those are warm, the rest of your body will be too.
• In the winter I always wear gloves. I make sure they are thin and light so that when my hands get warm, I can easily take them off and leave them in the back pockets of my leggings.
• Don’t make the rookie mistake and pack on six layers of clothing, a beanie and three pairs of socks. You’ll overheat. Not good.
• Work with layers, but not too many. Stick to two or three.
• Always make sure you wear something you can take off. Think of a fleece vest or something similar that you can wear when you are warming up.
• I’m personally not a huge advocate for working out with a beanie on your head. Your head will get warm, you’re going to sweat and sometimes it’ll even start to itch. As long as your ears are warm, the rest of your head will be too.
• Oh, and last but certainly not least: make sure you are visible in the dark. Buy clothing with reflectors or an armband with flashing lights.