Tips On Staying Active During Winter

​Dropping temperatures and diminishing daylight means fewer opportunities for outdoor fitness activities. 
Even with the days getting shorter and colder, walking can keep you moving all winter long. Here are a few tips that can keep you moving and prevent “hibernation” this winter.

As you can imagine, walking is the most common fitness activity worldwide. 

Walking outdoors during the winter months presents a few challenges. Low temperatures, for example, is the primary factor in preventing motivation for outdoor activities during the winter. 

“Its cold outside, therefor I am not going to go out and suffer”, is a common phrase when people are approached about walking outdoors during the winter months. Proper cold weather attire can solve this problem and make walking outdoors in the winter comfortable. Layering is the most important issue when addressing winter outdoor exercise.
 
It may seem like common sense, but doing this properly can make for a comfortable outdoor workout. Dress in layers that you can be removed as soon as you start to perspire and then reapply as needed. 

First, put on a thin layer of synthetic material, like an under armor or other active wear material, which draws sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which stays wet next to your skin. Next, add a layer of fleece or wool for insulation. Top this with a waterproof, breathable outer layer.

An important side note about clothing should be addressed. 

Make sure that if are walking or exercising outdoors, especially in the country, you are wearing clothes that will make you stand out. 

Bright orange clothing is highly recommended to avoid any confusion from hunters. It was pointed out by no less than 15 people this weekend that I need to be careful when I am taking my winter walks. As a former city guy from Florida, wearing hunters orange was not something that crossed my mind. 
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I appreciate the kind words to keep me safe. Hopefully my words this week will keep you active and safe while we exercise this winter.