10 Ways to Stay Safe During Winter Workouts
To prepare for winter workouts start at the top.
- Cover your head. You can lose 50% of your body heat from an uncovered head. Wear a hat! If you’re participating in sports such as snowboarding or skiing wear a helmet.
- Cover your neck and face: Neckwear will help prevent frostbite when temperatures are below freezing. Covering your mouth may also help warm the air you will be breathing in during your workout.
- Wear a Base Layer: Staying dry is just as important as staying warm. Wear wicking materials as your base layer to prevent perspiration from chilling your body. There’s nothing worse than a frozen layer of clothing next to your skin.
- Layer: Wear layers so that you can peel off layers as your body generates heat from your exercise. Add the layers again during your cool down.
- Reflective Gear: The days are shorter and the nights are longer so you may find yourself exercising in the dark. Wear bright reflective gear and use body lighting so that you can be seen.
- Gloves: Protect hands from frostbite by wearing a thin wicking glove as a first layer and a mitten as a second layer. Add or subtract a layer as needed.
- Traction: Prevent slips on snow and ice with gear that can give your shoes and boots extra traction.
- On Your Feet: Properly sized footwear is important. Shoes sized too small will make your feet cold. Wear merino wool socks for added warmth or add a heated sole to your footwear.
- Inside Your Body: Hydrating your body is just as important in cool weather as it is in the heat. Drink water before and after your workouts.
- Communicate! Tell someone where you will be exercising and when you expect to return home. Bring a cellphone in case you need to contact someone during your workout.
Here’s to finding your style,™ – Kim
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