Getting Active in the Cold

When the cold weather sets in and snow begins to blanket the ground, our minds are filled more with thoughts of sugar plums than our fitness goals. There is something about the warm sunshine and blossoming atmosphere of the spring that makes us willing to get out and burn some calories, but after weight loss surgery you aren’t able to limit your physical exertions to one season of the year.

Exercising in the cold weather does not need to be so dreadful. By taking a few precautions and mentally preparing yourself for the task ahead you can stay fit and lose weight this winter.

Get Fit This Winter!

Exercise is a natural way to warm the body. When you work out you generate heat, and this heat can help you power through your fitness endeavors on the coldest of days. Whatever the temperature is outside, your body is going to do what it can to reach 98.6 degrees on the inside. By getting active you are working with your body, making it easier for your body to reach and maintain that happy temperature of 98.6 degrees.

The best type of exercise for the cold weather is moderate to intense. This includes activities like running, team sports like soccer and cold weather hobbies like skiing. When you are first undergoing weight loss surgery or preparing for your upcoming operating moderate to intense activities like these might not sound plausible. Rest assured, in time you will be able to engage in these types of exercises. In the meantime, stick with an activity level you are comfortable with.

Whatever activity you are up for trying this winter, keep these tips in mind to stay warm during your whole workout:

• Dress in layers. Your parka may be the warmest thing you own but it isn’t ideal for a workout. Dress in lighter layers so that you can easily add or remove them as needed during the course of your workout.
• Remember the extremities. When you head outside you remember your jacket and long pants, but what about your nose and fingers? Those get just as cold! If you are in extremely cold weather, then don’t forget to wear face protection and gloves to keep all parts of your body warm. Your fingers, toes and nose won’t grow warm as quickly as the rest of your body as you work out.
• Stay dry. Cold weather is fine to workout in, but rain and snow not so much. Wetness on the ground increases your risk of falling and injuring yourself, while rain and snow can work through your protective clothing and put you at risk of developing a cold weather complication like frost bite. If you are wet, your body will have a harder time building and maintaining heat.

Don’t be afraid to get outside this winter and burn some calories! If you don’t think you’ll be able to handle the cold weather, then try heading inside for a workout or join a local gym just for the season.