27 Jan Layering Up for Winter Activities

Just because colder temperatures have settled in does not create an excuse to break a New Year’s resolution. Here are some pointers to survive the winter and stay warm while doing it:

Layers

The key to cold weather dressing is one thing: layering. While deciding what to wear in freezing temperatures it is important to keep in mind that several light layers will keep your warmer than one very thick layer.

Dressing

Professionals say dress as if though it’s 20 degree warmer when going outside to exercise. Always expect to wear gloves or mittens and a hat.

30 degrees:

Wear 2 tops, 1 bottom. Long-sleeved base layer and a vest or light jacket to keep your core warm. Tights, leggings or shorts.

10 to 20 degrees:

Wear 2 tops, 2 bottoms. A jacket over your base layer, and sweats or wind pants over the tights, leggings or shorts.

0-10 degrees:

3 tops, 2 bottoms. Tops (Tip: for those of you who are cold-prone make one of the layers fleece.) and a jacket.

Minus 10 to 0 degrees:

3 tops, 2 bottoms, extra pair of gloves, 1 scarf protecting the mouth and neck from cold.

Minus 20 degrees:

Not for the faint of heart. 3 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 extra pair of mittens, 1 balaclava, sunglasses.

Protect your feet

Start by getting a good pair shoes to keep the warmth in and slush out with as little mesh as possible. Also wear socks that absorb liquid but still keep your feet warm.

Stay illuminated

With less daylight, chances increase that you will be exercising in the dark. Tall snow banks decrease visibility even more. So, when you are out, be sure to wear reflective, fluorescent clothing. Also, wearing a headlamp or carrying a flashlight not only helps you see where you’re going but more people see you.

Work with the wind

Begin a workout going into the wind and then while finishing have the wind to your back. Doing that will not only make the final trek easier, but the breeze won’t hit you after breaking a sweat.

Quick Change

Once you are done exercising your core body temperature drops. To avoid the post-workout chills, change all of your clothing. Drinking something warm post-workout is another good way to stay warm.

Sticking to a workout plan can be hard enough, don’t let cold weather add to it. These tips can help make a tough workout a little bit easier.