There are many benefits to exercising in the cold. There are multiple exercise options one can choose to participate in regardless of what the outdoor thermometer reads. Exercise can help shake those winter blues. It improves your mood, increases your energy level and helps you sleep better. Try to set aside 30 minutes or more on most days of the week for physical activity. A proper warm-up is critical. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and therefore they are more prone to injuries. The best approach to dressing for outdoor exercise is with layers. Layering provides the most effective heating method, plus it allows you to remove the top layer if you get too hot. The layer closest to your skin should allow moisture to be wicked away.

Post exercise hypothermia is possible. This happens when your body rapidly loses its heating stores. If you exercise outdoors when it is dark, wear reflective materials to ensure. Drink plenty of fluids. Cold air has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. People who are prone to asthma should make sure they carry Ventolin, as they are more susceptible to asthma with the cold air. Warm-up is important at any time, but particularly so during the colder months. Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it's easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle. Don't assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout. Don't strip when you get inside.

Winter Exercise Tips

• Warm-up is important at any time, but particularly so during the colder months.
• Stretching is especially important in the winter months when it's easier to cramp up or pull a cold muscle.
• Drink plenty of water.
• People who are prone to asthma should make sure they carry Ventolin, as they are more susceptible to asthma with the cold air.
• Don't assume that you have to sweat in order to get a good workout.
• Don't strip when you get inside.