When the weather turns cold, you may want to dive under your covers and stay in where it is warm.  This winter, try something new.  Bundle up in warm layers and go out to enjoy all of the fitness options out there.  Don’t hide from the cold weather, play in it.

Here are a few of the benefits of cold weather exercise:

Cold Weather Fitness | Dr. JerodYou Burn More Calories

This is a great benefit.  Your body works harder in the cold weather, so your metabolism revs up and you burn more calories and fat to produce energy for your workout.

You Can Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Exercising outside and getting more sunlight each day will help you to get through the cold winter months.  The increased sunlight helps your body to produce much-needed Vitamin D, which is a mood booster.

You Increase Your Endurance

By challenging yourself to work out in the cold weather, you strengthen your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.  This leads to better endurance, which you can build more quickly by exercising in cold weather.

You Boost Your MoodCold Weather Fitness | Dr. Jerod

Cold stimulates your parasympathetic system, or the “relax and renew” system.  These endorphins can trigger the release of all kinds of “happy chemicals” in your brain, including dopamine and serotonin.

You Feel Exhilarated

There is nothing quite like finishing a workout in cold weather.  You feel more invigorated than normal, and your cheeks have a healthy, rosy glow.  Your lungs are full of fresh air and you feel great.

There are a variety of exercises you can do in cold weather, including skiing (cross-country or downhill), snow shoeing, Nordic hiking, sledding, ice skating, or even shoveling the driveway.  Choose an activity that sounds fun to you and go for it!

 

Dr. Jerod – Health & Wellness Expert

Family Health and Wellness – Health and Wellness Speaking – Health Awareness
Dr. Jerod Ochensdorf – 763-420-2226