Is exercising in cold Mississippi weather beneficial? What experts say & how to stay safe
When the weather outside is frightful, grab your running shoes and puffer jacket because it’s time to get active.
Wait, that’s not how it goes.
Well, for some folks, staying active is a priority, even during the coldest months of the year. So, if you’re an avid outdoor runner, if you love to work out in nature or maybe you’re just curious about exercising outside, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (and thoroughly bundled up).
Here’s what you need to know about staying warm and safe while exercising outside in the winter:
Are there benefits when exercising outside in cold weather?
Looking at the frigid temperatures may make you want to switch to indoor exercise or just put off your workout all together, but before that happens, let’s see if there are any benefits to exercising outside.
According to some experts, exercising in cold weather “can bring you a variety of unexpected benefits,” so what are they?
Exercising in cold weather can:
Strengthen your immune system. “You may be surprised to learn that your immune system actually works harder in the cold. A routine outdoor exercise routine can strengthen your immunity and keep you healthy,” as stated on the The Atlanta Spine Institute’s website.
Improve cardiovascular function. When you work out in the cold, your cardiovascular system will put in some extra reps, too.
Boost your mood. Bye, bye winter blues.
Burn more calories. Doing a workout routine outside (even the same one you would do indoors), can burn more calories because your body works harder to maintain core body temperature.
So, now that you know the benefits of working out in the cold, let’s take a look at some safety tips to follow.
How can you stay safe when exercising in cold weather?
The most obvious answer is to dress warmly and in layers, right? Well, sure, but there are several other things to know:
Talk to your doctor
BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi recommends talking to your doctor first before doing any strenuous activity outside in cold weather.
“ It’s generally safe to exercise in cold weather conditions, but if you have asthma, a heart condition or poor circulation, check with your doctor for special precautions you should take,” the website said.
Cover your head, hands, feet and ears
According to the Mayo Clinic:
Wear thin glove liners made of a wicking material, such as polypropylene, under heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. Remove the outer pair when your hands get sweaty.
Wear a hat or headband and thermal socks. You may need running shoes one size larger than usual to accommodate thicker socks.
If it’s extremely cold, consider wearing a scarf or ski mask to cover your face.
Carry safety gear and sunscreen
The Mayo Clinic recommends exercising outside before it gets dark, but wear reflective clothing just in case.
Shoes with ice traction are also recommended if you’re venturing out to icy or snowy areas.
The winter sun can burn you just the same as on a hot summer day, so don’t forget to pack some SPF and lip balm, too.
Know the forecast and be prepared
The National Institute of Aging recommends staying updated on the latest forecast, temperatures and wind chill.
Let a family member, friend or neighbor know that you’re going out and have a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite (numbness, tingling) and get warm immediately if you do feel symptoms.
Stay hydrated. Even if you don’t feel like you need fluids, take a break and drink water frequently.
Do you exercise regularly in cold weather? Let us know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
See if friends & family in MS exercised their right to vote in 2024 election. How it works
With Election Day over, who pulls political signs & when in Mississippi? 5 things to know
Will it snow this winter in Mississippi? Here’s what AccuWeather, NOAA experts predict
Don’t let rodents get too cozy this winter. How to keep them out of your MS home
