Exercising during the chilly winter months can keep you physically and emotionally healthier. But it's important to prepare for the changes in temperature.
The Texas Heart Institute suggests these cold-weather exercise guidelines:
- Gradually train and prepare for cold-weather activities.
- When exercising outdoors, dress in layers that you can remove and that pull sweat away from your body.
- Wear extra-warm socks, and protect your hands with gloves.
- Protect your head and neck with a hat or headband and scarf.
- Wear glasses or goggles to protect eyes, reflective gear if outside at night and always protect yourself with sunscreen during the day.
- If traveling to a higher altitude, give yourself a few days to adjust before exercising.
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and familiarize yourself with symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.
-- Diana Kohnle