It is that time of year again where the days become shorter and colder and there are a few essential things you need to be reminded of in order to survive your winter workouts.
The first, and most important, piece of advice that I have for you is change out of your workout clothes immediately after your workout. Do not go home in your cold and sweaty exercise gear, especially if you are walking or taking public transit. It is not that I am concerned that you may offend someone by your post workout odour, but you will freeze. Being cold is not the worst thing that could happen but if you do not warm up after a workout your muscles will become tense and tight. Make sure to pack an extra sports bra, warm shirt, and a dry pair of pants and socks to throw on before making the journey home.
My second piece of advice is if you are working out outside, dress for the weather and make sure you have the appropriate gear readily available in your workout collection to make winter outdoor workouts as enjoyable as summer ones. If you bike commute, have spare batteries on hand for lights, and switch into your winter gloves, pants and socks. If you plan on running throughout the winter, invest in a good quality, reflective jacket as well as an insulated pair of pants. If it is icy where you live, then a pair of crampons for your shoes is worth the investment.
And last, but certainly not least, make sure that you drink plenty of water. Because you will be exercising in a colder climate you may not feel as inclined to hydrate, due to the fact that you may not be sweating as much. However, just because you are not sweating does not mean that your body is not requiring water. If you skip water throughout your day, as well as in your workouts, your workouts will suffer, along with your dry skin and chapped lips. I am obsessed with this S’well bottle, not just because it is the sexiest water bottle I have ever held in my hands, but because it allows me to pour my morning coffee in it on my way to work, which it can keep hot for up to 12 hours, and then I can use it the rest of the day to hydrate with water.
Happy training and cheers to longer days coming soon!