4. Cover Your Head, Fingers and Toes
Blood flow stays concentrated in our core, making our limbs more susceptible to the cold. In addition to wearing gloves, consider roomier shoes to accommodate thermal or wool socks.
A large percentage of body heat is also lost through the head, so wearing a hat is a must. For extra protection, wear a face mask or scarf. And don't forget sunscreen on your exposed face—especially if you're skiing.
"UV rays are just as strong in the winter," Roy says.
Lopez also suggests an unconventional idea: Wear latex gloves under your regular gloves. That way, if you're doing burpees or push-ups on any potentially wet or icy surface, your hands won't end up wet, even if your gloves do. Same goes for your feet.
"Put a small plastic bag on each foot, then your socks, then your shoes," Lopez says. Admittedly, it can look a little goofy.
5. Avoid the Rain and Wind
The body has a hard time managing its temperature when soaked; water draws heat away from the body 25 times faster than air because of its higher density and heat capacity. And freezing windchill can be dangerous (like we mentioned earlier).
Not only can it quickly make the outdoors feel much colder than the themometer reads, wind pushes air and moisture through our clothes and removes the layer of warm air that surrounds our body. #Rude.
6. Don't Overdress
Since your body warms up once you get moving, it's OK to feel cold at first. When performing higher-intensity activities, overdressing can lead to excess sweating, which will cause the body to become wet. Damp skin is an unfortunate conductor of heat loss and will lower body temperature and increase risk of hypothermia.
The solution isn't very scientific: "Just experiment [with layers], and see what your body best tolerates," Roy says.
7. Enjoy the Scenery
Don't forget that being outside likely means better views—no matter where you live. "For us, we get time to enjoy New York for New York—enjoy all the beauty," Lopez says. "If you're at the gym, you always see the same thing."
And let's face it: Whenever you want, you really can just head back inside. There's always hot yoga.
Related Articles:
- 8 Ways to Stay Warm During Cold-Weather Months
- How to Prepare Your Muscles for Cold-Weather Workouts
- 30-Minute Full-Body Home Workout
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