COLD WEATHER WARM-UPS

Fall is finally here: mornings are cooler, leaves are changing, and exercising outside can get more comfortable.

But as temperatures continue to drop, warm-ups become even more important. Let’s look at why cold-weather warm-ups matter.

Why Cold-Weather Warm-Ups Matter

Regardless of the weather, warm-ups help prepare our muscles and joints for exercise. When the weather is cooler, it becomes more important for several reasons.

• Muscles and tendons become stiffer when exercising in colder weather.

• Your circulation can slow down as blood vessels constrict in the cold. That decreases oxygen delivery to working muscles, leading to fatigue and possible injury.

• Your body undergoes more stress when exercising in colder weather.

Cold Weather Warm-Ups

Here are some warm-up tips for cooler weather.

• Wear thin layers when heading outside. You can remove them or put them back on as your body temperature changes. 

• Wear a hat and gloves when the weather gets closer to freezing. You lose a lot of body heat through your head and extremities.

• Get your heart rate up by walking or jogging in place for several minutes. 

• Do dynamic stretches to warm up your muscles.

• Start slowly and build workout intensity as your body temperature increases. 

These tips will keep you healthy when heading out in cooler weather to exercise. Enjoy the fall and upcoming winter months!

Check out the rest of our blogs this month for our Fall into Fitness Series!