Did we just blink, and now winter is here?! It certainly feels that way in Birmingham… The idea of working out in the cold isn’t exactly what you’d call appealing…especially with the recent snow flurry in the West Midlands! As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, it’s tempting to retreat indoors and put workouts on hold.
However, training in colder weather offers some unique (and surprising!) benefits that can enhance your fitness journey. So if the alarm goes off, and you’re looking out of your bedroom window trying to summon the courage to drag yourself to that early morning CrossFit class… then let’s explore why embracing the chill could be advantageous for your health and performance!
1. Boosted Calorie Burn
Evidence shows us that exercising in the cold requires your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, leading to increased calorie expenditure. This means you might burn more calories during your workouts, compared to warmer conditions. Additionally, cold exposure can activate brown fat, which burns energy to generate heat, further aiding in calorie burning. So if your goals include improved body composition – know that you’re getting even more bang for your buck in the winter months!
2. Enhanced Endurance
It’s known that colder temperatures can improve endurance performance. Why? Your body doesn’t have to work as hard to cool itself down, allowing you to potentially run longer distances with less effort compared to running in warmer temperatures. Perhaps it’s time for a new 10k PB…!
3. Improved Mood and Mental Health
Winter workouts can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. Exposure to natural light during outdoor exercise boosts serotonin levels, enhancing mood and energy. The release of endorphins during physical activity also contributes to a positive mental state – so that’s a win for both for your physical and mental health.
4. Strengthened Immune System
Some evidence suggests that regular exercise in colder weather can enhance your immune system, reducing the risk of respiratory infections. This is especially beneficial during the cold and flu season!
5. Increased Vitamin D Levels
Despite shorter days, outdoor exercise during daylight hours can help maintain vitamin D levels, supporting bone health and immune function. Vitamin D for the win!
Don’t make this mistake…
As SCFIT, the gym is fitted with overhead heating to take the edge off, which can really help in those first few moments as you start to get moving. There’s a reason we don’t crank the heating up on full though – and not only because there really is a huge benefit to working out in the cold!
Starting your winter-session in a hot environment can mask the fact that your body may not be prepared for your workout just yet – so make sure you don’t make this mistake if you’re working out at home. Always be sure to warm up thoroughly – not just until your physically warm – but so your muscles, joints and mind are prepared and ready for the stimulus that’s about to come.
Stay safe
While the benefits of working out in the cold sure are compelling, it is of course essential to exercise safely in colder conditions. We recommend:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear layers to trap heat, and protect extremities with gloves and hats.
- Warm Up Thoroughly: Spend extra time warming up to prepare your muscles and reduce injury risk. The cold can impact your grip too, so it’s important to make sure your hands and fingers are prepared for picking up weights and holding up your body if you’re working on the rig!
- Stay Hydrated: Cold weather can mask thirst – so ensure you’re drinking enough water, even if you don’t feel like you need it.
- Be Mindful of Conditions: This one might sound obvious… by avoid icy or slippery surfaces to prevent falls! If you’re running early in the morning, take extra care for black ice.
Working Out In the Cold FTW
So how about that – embracing cold-weather training can offer a refreshing change and numerous health benefits! It’s not all doom and gloom! At SCFIT, we’re here to support you through every season. Our workouts are always adapted to suit the individual, and our coaches will always prepare a suitable warm up to suit the conditions – so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands even when you’re working out in the cold.
If you have any questions or need guidance on adjusting your workouts for the winter months, don’t hesitate to reach out to our coaching team! We’re here to help. Stay warm, stay active, and let’s make this winter our strongest season yet!
Keen to know more about SCFIT, and found out if our gym in Stirchley is a good fit for you? Book a free No Sweat Intro now!