August 22, 2011. While the first hints of spring have already appeared, make no mistake, there will still be bitingly cold weather before the end of the year . . . but this is no excuse to slacken on the exercise front. Maintain your discipline . . . here’s some advice on how to do it.
Exercise is vital in the healthy functioning of the human body, and the ideal way to look good and feel amazing about yourself. Busy jobs and cold winter mornings and evenings can weaken the resolve of even the most hardened gym fanatic. Here are some quick and easy tips to give yourself that added boost.
If you’re going for a walk, run or cycle in your neighbourhood, or the park, be aware that darkness falls earlier during winter. Take a charged cellphone and let someone know where you are and how long you think you are going to be.
Cover up. Although you might get hot and sweaty from exertion, cotton clothing can become drenched and reduce your body temperature. For those particularly crisp mornings and evenings, keep your head warm too.
If you are heading outdoors, try to have a snack an hour before you leave. Include some fats that you will be able to burn in the cold. Healthy fats include yoghurt, peanut butter or cheese.
Outdoor exercise during winter needs to be monitored. Start out with short, low level intensity work-outs and build these up over time to become more intensive. If you feel chilled or exhausted, you may need to reduce the intensity until your body is ready.
Running fanatic and driver of trail running in the Durban North area, Buzz Bolton, had this advice regards running in the winter.
“It’s very easy to talk yourself out of exercising in the cold. I find that when you get out of bed your body is already warmed up. The trick is to get dressed into your running gear and head straight for the road, and start to run. Within minutes, and before the cold sets in, your body is reheated by the exercise and there is zero discomfort.
“Always keep some tissue nearby as your nose tends to run when it’s really cold.
“After a run, cover your wet head with a beanie or cap and put on a dry shirt to avoid catching a chill.
Buzz warned about the dangers of strains and muscles tears in frigid weather: “Do not start a run too quickly if you have not warmed up fully. Muscles are tighter in the cold, making them easy to tear.”
For advice on how to eat healthily in winter click here. Avoid those comfort foods, maintain balance in eating, and thus your healthy weight.
Useful blog: 7 great reasons why exercise is good for you.
Try a workout with a difference. Kettlebells in Umhlanga and Ballito.