Outdoor winter workout programs may not seem enticing. Yet we also see a lot of people initiate exercise as part of their new year resolution, but unfortunately it’s short lived. Cold weather is the time most people slack on their fitness goals.
Cold Weather Workouts
Derek Maxfield of MA-area Fitness Together and certified personal trainer, is encouraging his clients to embrace and endure cold temperatures to bring you closer to your new year and decade fitness goals. Plus if you didn’t know, you burn more fat working out in the cold than in the heat as your body is working extra hard to keep you warm.
Cooler weather allows you to push your limits and strengthen areas of your workout which you overlook in warmer months:
- strengthening your heart for greater blood distribution throughout the body
- including warm-ups and cool-downs
- building tolerance to adversity creating new opportunities for yourself
Winter Workout Programs Strategies
Speaking from a place of experience, I can tell you first hand that working out outside in the cold is intimidating. Here are some strategies to overcome that.
Activities You Enjoy
To build up tolerance to the cold, choose an activity you enjoy and go outside. Have you ever been skating, snowshoeing, winter biking or cross-country skiing? Find your local rental shops and take your family, even your pets, on a new adventure at a local park. Even trail walking is a great exercise for winter.
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Staying Motivated
Reverse how you perceive the cold weather. Instead of thinking how cold you might feel at first, think of how many extra calories you’re able to burn in the cold as the body works against the cold to regulate its temperature.
Another great way to stay motivated is to find a workout group that’s active in the winter months. Local groups organize outdoor workouts on almost every single day of the week at various times. There are running, HIIT workouts, skating hiking and skiing groups all of which are free to join.
You can find some of them on Facebook or even your local gym or community centres.
Warm-ups & Cool-down Exercises
Rehabilitation exercises and stretches generally help to avoid getting hurt during workouts in colder weather or for any winter-time activity, such as shovelling snow. In addition to keeping active overall, exercises like bird dogs, back extensions, planks, squats, and hip lifts are helpful, ensuring the core, hips, and lower back are healthy for movements like shovelling.
Appropriate Gear
Unless you’re skiing or snowboarding, you don’t need a full on snowsuit. However, it is essential to ensure you have the right amount and type of gear on to trap the heat so you stay warm. In addition, if you’re on snowy terrain, shoes are probably more important than what you have on your shoulders.
Here are a few things to help you get started:
Headgear
A hat or at least a headband will keep your head warm to avoid getting headaches as you’re exerting energy
Gloves
Possibly the only are of your body that will get cold if you don’t have the right gloves on. A pair of ski gloves are thick enough to keep you warm if you have touch the ground during your workout.
Socks
Thermal socks are great to keep your toes from freezing.
Jacket
Another very important piece to ensure you remain warm is a jacket that is just the right thickness. You don’t want something that will hinder you from movement:
Sweater
The key to staying warm is wearing a sweater underneath your jacket, allowing you to wear a lighter jacket so you can move freely.
Baselayers
Wearing an absorbent undershirt as a baselayer is a great way to layer on and stay warm without causing you any difficulties in movements
Leggings
Winter leggings that are lined with fleece do wonders to keep you warm, it’s a better alternative to wearing a baselayer below your leggings.
Shoes
Like I said this may be the most important piece if you are on slippery terrain. You don’t need crazy cleats or spikes on your shoes to ensure you have a solid grip but something that has good traction will make you go a long way. I like Saucony’s for this type of weather because they are anti-slip. The best part if you can also wear them in the warmer months when working out outside or going on hikes. The outsole is quite versatile and works for different terrains:
The Gist of it
Winter workout programs are great to stay healthy and motivated in the colder months. It’s also a wonderful way to stay connected with peers and family members. It’s a good way to challenge yourself and push your limits and making the winter pass by faster.
What are your workout programs strategies for the winter?
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World In Eyes says
Very informative post, the winter workout strategies are very good.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It makes it easier to enjoy the colder months
Pyotr says
This was an interesting post to read. Thank you for sharing your perspectives.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Lyosha says
Great tips! I agree winter and cold weather is not an excuse to stop working out
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Indeed! The fact that you burn more fat makes it more worthwhile
Charlene says
This is such a great post! I went snow shoeing with friends about a month ago and had a blast!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It’s so fun! We tend to forget there are exciting things that can be done in the winter.
Marysa says
These are good to know about. We have a lot of cold weather here and you really have to make the best of it!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Than this is a perfect post for you to help you embrace the colder months.
Nate says
You’re so right. Having the ‘right’ thickness when wearing a jacket is so key!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
For sure! When you move you don’t feel it but you don’t want to stress about not having enough layers or too many on that you can’t move.
Gervin Khan says
Wow! This is an extreme thing to do and will really pump your adrenaline to be push on the limits while doing this workout. Will definitely consider this on winter.
The Wardrobe Stylist says
It truly is life changing. I don’t like winter but I actually don’t mind working out in the cold.
Alexa Moffitt says
I love this, great for those in cold areas!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Indeed! It makes the winters better 🙂
aisasami says
What great advice for those who want to work out during the winter months! I will try these next winter!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I hope you have a chance to 🙂
Pedro says
Rania,
Thanks for a great post.
Winter shouldn’t stop us from staying fit and the cold weather mustn’t stop us keeping healthy 🙂
Best,
Pedro
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Indeed, you can workout inside but I doing it outside makes winter more bearable 🙂
Mommy Rockin In Style says
I love Asics and Salomon, they are really nice sports brands. Thanks for sharing!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
Yes they’re pretty good brands. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Maartje van Sandwijk says
I hate running in cold weather because I never know what to wear 🙂 Definitely important to keep working out all year around though!
The Wardrobe Stylist says
I understand, but you just need to be warm and then you will be hot once you start the workout.