Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1206099
Warm up before going out in the cold Cold weather workout tips W orkouts are a part of many people's daily routines. For people who don't enjoy working out indoors, finding ways to exercise in the great outdoors can provide the incentives necessary to commit to daily workouts. Exercising outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air, but what about those days when the weather isn't so inviting? Here are some tips to follow: Increase your warm-up Muscles typically require more time to warm up in cold weather than they do in warm weather. The Canadian Chiropractic Association notes that many people feel as though there muscles are noticeably stiffer in cold weather than in warm weather. This can make people who exercise in such weather more vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries. One way to reduce that risk is to warm up for longer periods of time than you might in warm weather. For example, runners might want to walk slowly outdoors for several minutes before they begin jogging. Doing so can loosen and warm up muscles that are naturally stiff in cold weather. Dress appropriately The gear outdoor exercise enthusiasts wear can go a long way toward making cold weather workouts more enjoyable and safe. Layering clothing during cold weather workouts allows people to maintain steady body temperatures throughout a workout by removing layers as they heat up if they need to. Even though it's cold, your body will still sweat, so look for a wicking material that draws moisture away from your body. Focus on keeping the extremities, including fingers, toes and nose, warm with materials like gloves and tall socks. Face masks can be helpful to cover the nose and neck, but make sure they're made from breathable materials that won't hold moisture. Choose footwear for balance Wet, frozen ground is not as easy to traverse as dry ground, so look for footwear that provides added traction. Winter running shoes that come with studded soles might be necessary. Outdoor workouts don't have to end when the weather gets cold. A few simple tricks can help people exercise outdoors throughout the year. n Marin Community Clinics offers comprehensive health services, including: We are here to serve all who walk through our doors We accept: Medi-Cal, Medicare, Private Insurance No insurance? We offer services on a sliding fee scale primary care dentistry behavioral health pharmacy labs radiology optometry fresh food pantry ... and more Locations: Larkspur, Novato & San Rafael marinclinics.org | 415-448-1500 A Marketing Supplement of the Marin Independent Journal | marinij.com Healthy Living February 2, 2020 7