Micro Tears
Whether you're running a race, doing bike intervals or lifting weights, damage is done to the muscles as micro tears are created. As soon as the activity is done, the body starts to heal. When your body starts restoring the muscle, it repairs the micro tears back together, making them stronger.
Keep the Body Warm
The body's natural response when cold is to tense up, which contracts the muscles and counteracts the healing your muscles are trying to do. If you watch a major triathlon or endurance event, whether it's 80 degrees out or near freezing, the elite runners usually change out of their wet clothes and put on warm clothes within minutes of finishing.
With all the planning and effort that goes into a workout, take a few extra minutes to bring warm, dry clothes and a snack to start the recovery process. Once you begin pairing well-executed exercises with proper recovery, you have a much better chance to reach your full potential as an athlete.
More: 8 Ways to Stay Warm During Cold-Weather Months
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