Winter temperatures are increasingly creeping up on us, making it very easy for us to fall into the typical excuse of "I don't go out to exercise because I'll be cold." This should not be a valid excuse to skip exercising in winter! It is true that our sports performance can be affected by low temperatures as our muscles may suffer involuntary contractions, cramps, or muscle strains… That's why it's important to consider certain aspects. So, if you're one of those who love training outdoors no matter the weather… Don't worry! We give you the keys so you don't come home with a frozen body and so you don't fall victim to what we all detest; colds.

4 tips to easily exercise in winter

  1. Wear the right clothing. As we progress in our training, we will start sweating and no matter how cold it is, we will feel overdressed. Therefore, it is recommended to dress in layers. It is important that the layer closest to the skin is not made of cotton, as it is a material that quickly becomes damp, and we don't want to be wet throughout the routine. Synthetic and breathable garments are the best option. Don't forget to cover the most sensitive areas of your body… The head, throat, hands, and feet are the parts of the body that get cold first!
  1. Stay hydrated. Although it may seem like there is less need to stay hydrated in winter compared to summer, with the cold and wind, a large amount of water is lost through sweat, and the possibility of dehydration remains very real. If we see our breath when we exhale, it's because the low temperatures "steal" water from our respiratory system. Also, with the cold, it is much easier for our sugar levels to drop, so carrying a quick-absorbing sugar energy gel or some glucose-rich food might come in handy.
  1. Watch your diet. Carbohydrates are ideal when doing sports in cool weather. This product maintains the necessary blood glucose level to help combat the shivers. Don't know what shivers are? They are responsible for producing heat in our bodies. When we react to the cold, our body protects itself through vasoconstriction, so we should avoid alcohol or foods high in spices or seasonings, as they dilate our blood vessels.
  1. Schedule and Route. If your schedule allows it, exercise when the sun is out or when it's a bit warmer. When temperatures are low in our city, they are low everywhere. Keep in mind that there are exercise routes that can be more enjoyable than others. Avoid deserted areas and open spaces where there is nothing to block the wind, if you run in more sheltered areas, the sensation of cold will be less.
Exercising in winter is not impossible! We just have to act prudently so that the low temperatures don't have a negative impact on us. However, if you're still not sure, you can always go to the gym or get fit without leaving home. If the latter option is more appealing to you, don't hesitate to visit our SALTER online store where you will find all kinds of gym machines to help you get in shape quickly.

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