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Exercise Outside The Right Way

Outdoor fitness tip #1: Get dressed

Wearing proper clothing is essential to your comfort and safety for outdoor exercise. It is crucial to keep both your core and your extremities warm. “Your core is much easier to keep warm because your body naturally will pull warmth from your extremities because your body sees your core as crucial to survival but understands that a person can survive without their hands or feet,” explains Bode. In addition to wearing adequate layers on your torso, also pay close attention to your arms, hands, legs and feet – wear warm gloves and proper socks as well as cover your head when necessary.

#2: But don’t overdress

Bode also warns that it can be dangerous to overdress and cause perspiration. “Perspiration can make an individual much colder because body parts get wet and then the wetness chills from the wind and/or temperature. Wearing a layer next to your skin that helps remove perspiration is always a good idea.” Bode suggests wearing silk or polyester for the first layer, and to avoid cotton because it traps moisture. The middle layer might be fleece or wool, and the top layer should block the wind and also allow moisture to escape, like Gore-Tex. (More tips on workout wear to keep you warm.)

#3: Consider all weather factors

Before you start piling on clothes, Bode advises to take into consideration all the factors that will affect your core body temperature. Factors such as the real temperature, wind chill, wind speed and direction, sun position and precipitation can make the “real feel” temperature lower than the reported temp. “For example, if the temperature is 40 degrees, one might consider that quite warm,” says Bode. However, strong winds can cause a wind chill temperature that is closer to 20 degrees," she adds. And if you are hoping for the warmest part of the day to exercise outside, do it while the sun is high.

#4: Invest in proper footwear

Running shoes may be fine on packed powder but they can be dangerous if roadways or trails are iced over. Bode recommends products like Yaktraxthat you can slip on over your sneakers. These as well as footwear made for weather can prevent falls by supplying more traction. If the terrain happens to be deep newly fallen snow or soft powder, your running shoes are worthless – your feet are going to freeze. Consider snowshoeing instead of walking or running or buy a pair of waterproof snowboots and tromp away. Skiiing is always an option, too. (Click for tips on snowshoeing for winter fitness.)

#5: Listen to your body

Even if you are motivated to weather the winter, tune in to your body. Bode says that conditions that are too cold varies from person to person and that winter workouts outdoors may not be right for all people. She warns that people with certain medical conditions like heart disease may need to avoid certain temperatures because cold can cause vascular constriction. If you have any medical conditions – particularly diabetes, Reynaud’s, lupus, fibromyalgia or arthritis – talk to your doctor before heading outdoors to exercise.

#6: Drink up

Not keeping your body hydrated is a frequent mistake, says Bode. “In the summer, people are perhaps more in-tune with their hydration because they sweat and feel the thirst sensation. In winter you may not feel as thirsty and therefore forget to drink. It is equally as important to hydrate when exercising in the cold as it is when you workout in the summer heat.” Keep a bottle of water with you during winter workouts just as you do with hot weather exercise.

#7: Warm up and cool down

Regardless of the time of year or type of workout, it is important to remember to do a proper warm up and cool down to prevent injuries and hasten recovery. However, spend a few extra minutes warming up for winter exercise. And more important, when you get back indoors after your workout, fight the urge to immediately remove your layers. “Give your body time to adjust,” says Bode. “Post exercise hypothermia is possible, which happens when your body rapidly loses its heating stores.”

As long as you are prepared to weather the winter, you can avoid winter weight gain and stay in top shape. You might even come to love taking a run in the invigorating brisk winter air or trekking up your favorite trail with powdery snowflakes falling around you.

#8 Start slow and sensibly

If winter fitness or other outdoor activities are new to you, practice with short bouts to break yourself in. If you're just getting started with camping, spend a night in the back yard or stick close to the car or other shelter before you head into the backcountry. This is also a good way to work the kinks out of using new gear and break footwear in.

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