The Imperative Health Wonders of Winter Workout

It has been seen that as winters head our way, our energy levels drop and we seek comfort and prefer staying indoors and in our beds. But there might be something you don’t know yet, which is that working in lesser temperatures and in colder times can help improve the endurance of the body. In colder temperatures it becomes easier for the heart to function, the amount of sweat is less, and the energy expenditure lowers down too, all of this can lead to efficient working out.

There have been many studies conducted which show that exercising at lower temperatures can transform white fat (especially in the belly and thigh area) into calorie-burning brown fat.

Benefits of exercising outdoors

Good reasons to step out of the comfort zone and work out, outside are-

– It helps treat the seasonal affective disorder which is the reason for the sunken, sullen mood and is a type of depression that affects people in winters

– It gives good exposure to Sunlight preventing the deficiency of Vitamin D, which is good for maintaining bone health.

– Mood upliftment

– You can burn more calories outside in a fun, adventurous way without the restrictions of space and less effect of the cold

In case of medical conditions like asthma or heart problems do consult your doctor before planning outdoor workout plans, review your health conditions, and any special precautions you might need to maintain when working out outside.

Good warm-up exercises for Winters

Warm-up is a necessity especially during the winter since it’s easier to get strains or injuries if you have cold muscles. You shouldn’t start with just static stretching which happens when you don’t move your body parts while stretching which also increases the risk of getting injured.

Dynamic stretching which helps in moving body parts helps improve functionality, it loosens your joints, increases blood circulation, and warms up all the muscles and tissues.

– Arm circles – making small to large circles for about twenty rounds at about the shoulder height is a good way to begin stretching. Make large to small circles next twenty rounds, or go from clockwise to anticlockwise as you please.

– Arm swings- while standing with your feet at shoulder-width length, swing both your arms in unison starting from the right to the left, twisting from the waist. When you are done repeating at both sides for an equal duration while going back and forth you can shift to the next exercise

– High steps- while standing straight, raise your knee towards your chest and keep holding it for a second before returning to the starting position, and repeat the movement with your other leg, repeat.

Remember to protect yourself from the cold, wear layers and apply sunscreen when working out. Stay hydrated and have a safe workout.