Winter Exercise

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Thu, January 08, 2009

I have a question about running outdoors during the winter. Have you ever heard of people having problems when they exercise outdoors in cold weather? I seem to be having problems here lately. After I get back from a run its not unusual that my legs are a hue of bright red. But today, after applying the same lotion I use everyday my legs started to itch severly. I have never experienced anything like this. A few days prior, a warm shower made my legs feel as though they were bruised all over--however there was not outward signs of this.

Any thoughts about the cold weather and exercise would be greatly appreciated!

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ladyisis

1/ 9/09 12:01pm

Hello Betty,

I read your post and I wanted to mention that a good idea, especially in January and February where the cold is most extreme, thermal undergarments will protect your legs from the dry winds. Taking a warm or hot shower makes your skin dryer. A good idea is to make sure your home has enough humidty to keep your skin from becoming dryer during the winter months.

I walk in the winter here in Montreal and it's in the minus and I always wear thermal undergarments, especially if I am going to walk a mile or two.

Hope this helps.

phoenix

1/21/10 4:32pm

This is excellent advice on thermal undergarments (particularly if they're non-cotton). I would like to add that any speedwork (higher intensity training such as interval training) that I do during the winter is done inside on a treadmill. I save the lower intensity exercise for outdoors during the winter. Higher intensity exercise causes the production and release of larger levels of lactic acid and free radicals that can break down an immune system unless the body recovers adequately. A weak immune system can hinder the body's ability to produce the needed amount of natural epidermal oils, which could account for at least some of your skin irritation. Doing high intensity training in warmer temps can help to eleviate this breakdown. Paying attention to your apparel and output levels can be lifesaving in winter.

Winter Exercise

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