Are you dreading winter weather because you don’t want to move your workout indoors? It may be cold outside, but braving the cold temps for your workout could actually have added benefits.
Before you move indoors for the winter, check out these benefits of working out in the cold.
You’ll burn more calories. Your body has to work harder to regulate its core temperature, meaning you’ll burn more calories in a cold weather workout that you would doing the same workout indoors.
You’ll do more for your heart. Just as your body has to work harder in the cold to regulate its core temperature, your heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout your body.
You won’t forget your warm-up and cool-down. Cold weather will make your muscles even more stiff, making your warm-up and cool-down all the more important. When you step out into the cold for your workout, you won’t forget to give yourself a few extra minutes to warm-up and cool-down before and after your workout.
You’ll get much needed vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies are even more common in the winter when we spend more time indoors. Taking your workout outside will give you a good dose of vitamin D to help keep your bones healthy and protect against diseases and other health conditions.
You’ll be happier and more energized. If you enjoy the rush of energy your feel after a good workout, you’ll feel even better after a cold weather workout. Hot, humid summer weather can put a damper on your mood, but the chilly weather is stimulating.