Myth: Cold weather workouts are, well, cold!

Fact: You may certainly start off cold, but as we’ve noted, the body is very good at warming itself up. As long as you dress properly and keep moving, you’ll find that cold weather workouts don’t feel much different from any other time of year.

Myth: You are more susceptible to injuries.

Fact:  This is actually true, but there are precautions you can take.

1. Pay attention to the weather.  You don’t want to get caught in a snowstorm when you’re out running or skiing.
2. Pay attention to the terrain: Black ice can be just as treacherous to runners and bikers as it is to drivers.
3. Take time to warm up.  It will take your body a little longer than normal to warm up in the chilly weather.  Allow your muscles to warm up gradually with a few minutes of walking or slower activity before you start a more intense workout.  This will help you avoid pulled or torn muscles.
4. Go inside and get warm as soon as you are done.  Lingering outside in the cold while wearing you sweaty workout clothes is not such a good idea.

Sources:

Brooks, Hannah, “Do you burn more calories in the cold”, Huffington Post (11/11). Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/calories-cold-weather_n_1096331.html

Hadfield, Jenny, “Winter Running Tips”, Active.com (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Winter-Running-Tips.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008), Physical Activity Guidelines for America. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html