Those who prefer to exercise outdoors likely dread the coming of winter. Cold weather and the types of phenomena that go along with it (snow, rain, sleet, etc.) cause some to throw in the towel entirely, while others head indoors to conduct their workout at the gym.
But if you’re one of the people who intends to get their exercise in outdoors come hell or high water, then there are certain precautions you have to enact in order to protect yourself. Injury risks can crop up that aren’t necessarily present at other times of the year, and to make sure you’re ready to face those dangers, consider some of the information related in a new report.
Although you probably just want to get on with your run or whatever exercise you’re taking part in as quickly as possible, you can’t give your warm-up short shrift. In fact, warming up with stretching, light running, and other exercise is going to be more important in the winter, as it’s going to take your body longer to acclimate to the environment than it would during moderate weather.
You also might want to get in the habit of running in the morning, when your body is more likely to be ready for the activity. As the sun goes up, it’s our natural tendency to enter a more wakeful state. Thus, when you exercise in the morning, you could be more productive than you would if you’ve just worked a full eight or nine hour day.
You should also start thinking about those hazards which may contribute to an injury along your running route in the fall and winter. Puddles of rain or melted snow can cause you to slip, and as you try to find purchase beneath you, your body can be contorted into all manner of awkward positions, leaving you potentially exposed to an injury. A small pile of leaves may cause the same dilemma.
Protect yourself from these dangers by not pushing yourself too hard. Keep your speed in check, focusing on distance rather than speed work where your footing won’t be as assured. Instead, scan your environment for potential slipping hazards, limit jumping movements on slick surfaces, and make sure to stretch before and after every run so your muscles and joints will be limber enough to put up with a slip if you do experience one.
Finally, realize how your body is going to react to the cold weather. You may feel like you don’t need or want water given the temperature, but you’re still going to be sweating and straining your body, and this actually makes water consumption more important. Drink water, avoid getting your body too wet, and always pay attention to your overall comfort to determine when it’s best to bring your exercise to a close.
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