Benefits of Working Out During Winter

By Tonny Wandella

Cold weather workouts are far more challenging as compared to summer workouts. The body loses heat faster through convective heat transfer, and it may be challenging to maintain the core temperature of your internal organs as you work out. To work out in cold weather, you need to make appropriate preparations. You will need to put on layers of clothes to keep warm and comfortable, and, when it’s dark and icy, it gets even more difficult to exercise. Additionally, the temptation to stay indoors and watch Netflix may make it very difficult to exercise, but if you are disciplined enough and you do go out, winter workouts can have several benefits on your body and your mind. These include:

1. It Improves Your Mood

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or ‘winter blues’ is characterized by depression. According to research published in Psychiatry, approximately 20 percent of Americans suffer from mild to severe depression during winter. One of the best ways of combating these feelings of sadness is by working out.
Workouts can help our bodies secrete more feel-good hormones. Researchers have found that workouts are up to 4 times more effective than taking antidepressants in the relief of depression symptoms. If you decide to exercise outdoors, you will not only get fresh air and boost your mood but also get a good dose of vitamin D.

2. It Boosts Your Immune System
Each winter brings around illnesses, and most people blame it on the cold weather. However, it is the viruses that make us sick and being congested in a heated room can expose you to more viruses compared to staying outdoors.

3. It Is A Great Cardiovascular Exercise
Both your body and the cardiovascular system works harder when working out in the cold weather. Your heart works hard to pump blood, and this keeps it healthy and in good shape. With heart diseases being on the rise, it is a great thing to know that winter workouts can help in keeping your heart healthy and strong.
4. It Makes Increasing Workout Intensity Less Difficult

If you like to run, bike, or walk, the humidity and heat of summer can make it challenging to up your mileage or intensity. On the other hand, cold weather makes it easier to handle more intensity since you are not subjected to that stress. If you want to break a new personal record in a race, you should try working out during winter.

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