Staying active in the cold: Winter Workout Tips
The nights are getting longer and the cold is settling in. The winter can be a tempting time to put your fitness journey on hold and stay in the warmth of your home. But the colder weather shouldn’t put your workouts to a complete stop.
We know a thing or two about working out in the cold, we do have an outdoor fitness rig and a cold water lake after all, so we’ve put together a list of winter workout tips to help you keep fit and active throughout the cold season.
Contents:
- Where dry clothes
- Stay visible
- Add layers
- Stay Hydrated
- Change workout times
- Partner up
- Prepare for your workout
- Bicester gym
Wear dry clothes
It might be tempting to think you need to wrap up nice and warm if you are going to exercise in the cold. But when you choose your clothes, you need to think about what will keep you dry over what will keep you warm.
Wearing a thick hoodie might seem like a good choice, but if it rains, you’ll be both cold and wet! And if you are wet then the chances of you cutting your workout short are greatly increased and you open yourself up to hypothermia! Choosing a light rain jacket or a t-shirt made from nylon or polyester, which are quick drying compared to a cotton t-shirt, are great ways to help keep you dry during your workout.
Stay visible
Working out in the winter will probably mean you are outside in the dark, and the limited daylight hours, combined with the rain and snow, can make it much harder for others to see you.
Opt for bright colours to help you stand out or even wear reflective bands or a blinking light to help drivers and other pedestrians see you. As it’s dark, it’s probably a good idea to wear a head torch as well so you can see where you are going!
Add layers
If it is that cold outside, then layering up is the best way to keep warm. For your top half, a long-sleeved underlayer made from nylon or polyester should be your first layer, the material will help wick off any sweat much faster than a normal t-shirt. The second layer could be something a little warmer such as a fleece or hoodie and the third layer should be something waterproof to protect you from the wind and rain.
For your legs, you can get a pair of leggings, again made from a synthetic material like nylon to help wick off your sweat, and then you can cover them with a pair of jogging bottoms or shorts.
Stay hydrated
Drinking water when working out isn’t just for the hot weather! Although the weather is cooler, and you won’t be sweating as much from the heat, you’ll still lose plenty of water through the sweat you make from your workout.
And, if you work out in the cold, you might not feel as thirsty as you might normally be working out in the heat. Ensure you drink enough fluids during your winter workout even if you don’t particularly feel thirsty, dehydration can quickly set in without you realising it.
Change your workout times
Another way to make the most of the dwindling hours is to change up your usual workout times. If you usually work out after work, then maybe switching it to the mornings when it’s light will help you stay on track with your fitness. Or, if possible, fit in your workout routine on your lunch break instead!
Partner up
We all know how motivating it can be to exercise with someone else. And this is especially true for the winter. Pushing yourself to get out there in the cold, miserable weather can be tough, but if you have a workout buddy by your side, you’re much more likely to get out there! So, speak with your friends, gym friends, or your partner and see if they will join you in the great (cold) outdoors this winter!
Prepare before your workout
It’s not just clothes to think about when working out in the colder seasons. Preparing yourself better is a great way to ensure you are motivated enough to work out in the first place, here are a couple of easy tips:
Put the heating on
If you are going for a morning run, then getting out of your warm bed can be the first hurdle! Set your boiler or heaters to come on an hour before you plan to get up so you don’t have to get changed into your gear in the cold!
Get your clothes ready
The night before, put out all your workout clothes somewhere you can easily get to so you can jump out of bed and immediately change. Lying in bed wondering where your clothes are can make you feel demotivated and gives you an excuse to stay in bed for longer.
Workout indoors at Bicester Gym
If working out or going for a run in the outdoors during winter simply isn’t for you, then obviously, there is always the option to work out indoors!
Bicester Gym has everything you need to keep your fitness journey going, even throughout the winter. We have state-of-the-art equipment, classes, and free weights, and if it is a dry crisp day, you can even use our outdoor gym rig.
Gym memberships start from £30 per month and you can book a free tour or join straight away by getting in touch.
