Well, it being winter (at least in the northern hemisphere ) and it being roughly 5 degrees F (-15 C) in my area, I had a question. Are there any adverse effects to exercise outdoors in the winter? And are there any precautions to take if you do? Besides the obvious one of dressing warm For example, jogging-sprint work outdoors. Any special advice for this or am I fine with just bundling up?
I run outside in winter. Just dress in layers and warm up properly. Get really good socks too. Be careful of ice! I don't usually run once it gets below -20 celsius, hurts to breathe - ouch.
My gym's in the garage so I'm in it all the time. Running in the cold is something to consider though. Ice and clothing are the obvoius if it's too cold and it's making it hard to breath don't go running but try a brisk walk instead, skipping rope is good too. Some people have an issue with their nose getting very cold and I've seen these nose wraps that cover the top of the nose and the high parts of the cheek bone and are held in place by your hat. Hope this helps.
Might want to stretch a tad more than you normaly do. Being cold and all (not cold where I live though) you'll want to make sure the muscles, ligaments and tendons are all getting stretched enough for training. Cold stiffens them up so be aware of that. Other than that they isn't a problem...unless you're like me and have broken almost every bone you got... Oh the cramps!
obviously dont run in ice as a first point, but be mindful of running in the cold as well, especially sprints, cos its much easier to pull a muscle in the cold. Personally i skip every night without fail (excluding saturday nights), i've never suffered an adverse effect from the cold (this time of year about 3-4.c). And also on a positive note some people prefer cold weather exercise because it prevents overheating which allows u to work for longer.
I have a set of weights in my garage. I make sure I get really wamred up before I start lifting. That being said.... PL
I read quite an in depth article about training in the cold and if there was any adverse effects? some folks were concerned about breathing in cold air when running or lifting weights but the functioning of the lungs etc by the time it hits them the air is warm not cold so they advised that there was nothing to be concerned about. It never mentioned the dampness though and the possible effects from this as I get really chesty in thoses condtitions.
As mentioned, i'd probably lay off the sprints while there's a good chance of ice. Also, to be extra cautious i'd probably drop my general running speed, and go longer. Also off the roads and on to the fields, there should be little chance of ice until the rain/thaw comes around
