Winter Workout Tips

Helpful hints for how to stay healthy and fit during those cold winter months

By Jake Laub
CTW Features

Don’t let your exercise routine go cold this winter. Keep your fitness on the right track with these five tips for when the mercury drops:

Stay hydrated

“People tend to associate dehydration with hot weather,” says Andy Fry, a fitness expert at Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. But during the winter months, parts of the U.S. can be as dry as the Sahara desert, so drink up.

Dress smart

If you’re exercising outdoors, wear several light layers to trap warm air close to your body. A good combination would be a windproof outer layer with cotton layers underneath.

Warm up

Low temperatures increase the risk of sprains and strains, making a good warm-up especially important. Fry suggests warming-up and stretching inside if possible. Jogging in place for five minutes is a good stationary way to get the blood flowing. If this is not possible, try to ease into your workout.

Assess the weather

“This is a big one,” Fry says. Rain, wind, sunset and sunrise all affect the temperature, so take these into consideration when leaving the house. Fry suggests leaving into the wind and coming back with it. “If you get tired, it’s easier coming back and most of your exposed skin is on the front so your perspiration won’t be chilled by the wind.”

Avoid winter blues

People exercise more when they’re having fun, but winter is dark and cold. So “if bundling up isn’t your style, try an indoor activity like a group exercise session or ballroom dancing,” Fry says. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new workout plan or moving an existing plan outdoors. Just remember, Fry says, “The important thing is to stay active.”

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