4 Tips for Making Exercise Happen in the Cold
By Genevieve Cunningham
Keeping up an exercise routine can be a challenge. It might mean getting up early or getting home late. It might mean sore muscles and heavy breathing. It's not always fun -- but it's always important. And when the cold of fall and winter starts blowing in, exercise becomes even more difficult. No one wants to get out of the warm bed to run, right? If you want to keep up your exercise routine this season, take a look at these four tips for making exercise easier in the cold weather.
Layer Up
If you're not adequately dressed, exercising in the cold will be miserable. At the beginning, you'll likely be cold either way. As you get moving, you'll probably warm up a bit. This is why layers are so important in the winter! Wear a light jacket and a scarf and hat. As your body warms up, you can ditch whatever you need to in order to stay comfortable.
Go Indoors
There's no rule that says working out has to be done outdoors. If you run outside, find a gym with an indoor track or a treadmill. If you don't even want to leave your house, pop in an at-home workout and use your living room. You can get in a great workout indoors. Make it as comfortable as possible, and you'll be much more likely to do it.
Time It Right
In cold weather, time of day matters. It might be too cold first thing in the morning to work out. If so, wait until later in the day. Timing your workout can make a huge difference. It might take some adjustments, but as soon as it warms up, you can go back to your normal time without missing a beat.
Add a Treat
If you need an external motivator, consider allowing yourself a treat after a cold weather workout. Go for a run and then stop for a hot cocoa treat on the way home. Allow yourself a little sauna time to warm up after aerobics. A small incentive can help you push through when it's tough, so give this a try when the going gets tough.
It definitely gets harder to work out when the weather isn't cooperating. It's so much easier to stay in your nice warm bed! But maintaining a workout all year long is important. Use these tips to make cold weather workouts a little easier, and enjoy the better health that comes with your dedication and consistency.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.