6 Benefits of Working Out in the Cold

We know it is very tempting to hide under the covers and hibernate like a grizzly bear when the cold weather hits.

It certainly seems like a good idea; however a good work out in the cold actually has some cool advantages.

Did you know?

1. You can burn more calories during the cold season?

In order for the body to regulate its core temperature among the elements, your body works harder enabling you to burn a few more calories during your wintry workout.

2. You will strengthen your heart?

Someone who regularly exercises with cardiovascular endurance can make their heart muscle even stronger during cold-weather sessions. In addition, this better prepares the body for more strenuous workouts in the future including non-exercise stresses in life.

3. You will increase your water consumption?

Drinking water before, during and after cold-weather workouts helps protect the body from injury and stay warm from start to finish and maintain peak performance. Don't wait to feel thirsty to hydrate! During cold-weather workouts, one of the most important factors is staying hydrated in order to minimise the dangers which come with it. As the body continues to sweat it evaporates quicker into the dry, chilly, air making it seem as though the body is losing less water.

4. Your tolerance for the cold will improve?

We all know how hard it can be to force yourself out into the cold weather for the first workout of the winter season, but rest assured it does get easier over time. However, it is important is to pay more attention to the amount of effort being put forth rather than hitting a certain time, distance or other performance goals, and try to just enjoy the process.

5. The importance you place on your warm-up will increase?

In order to keep your body in top fitness shape, proper warm-up and cool-down movements are essential and becomes even more important when it's cold outside. Keeping the body loose, limber and warm for a chilly workout can help prevent painful twists, sprains, tears and other injuries. Winter workouts will encourage you to become a pro when it comes to full warm-up and cool-down routines, the former to keep your internal body temperature elevated, and the latter to reduce unnecessary tightness inspired by the chill in the air.

6. You will feel more energised and happy?

Working out in the cold-weather also has the ability to enhance your mood due to the lack of humidity. This creates that heavy air feeling in the summer months and the stimulating aspect of the chill. Your body then works harder to stay warm, which leads to the amount of endorphins produced also increasing, resulting in a stronger sense of lightness and happiness after working out in the cold.