How to Work out in the Snow
If you’re worried that the winter weather’s going to stop you from working out, think again. These amazing tips will keep you from making any excuses and gaining that holiday weight!
First of all, winter workouts can be thrilling. You can tackle varied terrain, challenge your body, and beat the winter blues. You also burn more calories when you work out in the chilly great outdoors, because you have to move faster to stay warm. Plus, getting plenty of fresh air and avoiding indoor gyms can keep cold and flu infections at bay.
Here are a few tips to keep on workin’ out when you’re in a winter wonderland:
1. Layer up.
I know it might seem like it’s freezing outside, but if you dress properly, you won’t even feel it. Wear multiple layers, so you can strip off when your body starts to sweat. Your first layer should be something thin and synthetic, so that your sweat doesn’t make you cold. Second, wear something wool or fleece to insulate your body. Top with a waterproof jacket, in case it starts to snow, so you don’t get bogged down with wet clothes. Try to avoid 100% cotton, since it retains sweat and moisture that will keep you cold and sticky.
2. Protect your extremities.
Your nose, ears, and fingers tend to be the first parts of your body to get cold. Wear a balaclava (just don’t stop in any convenience stores) or a cap and scarf to cover your face. Earbands or earmuffs are amazing, too. I have some giant, white, furry ones that make me look like Princess Leia, but they keep my ears toasty warm, so that’s what matters. I also use this Brook’s Essential Running Scarf to keep my face warm. I have exercise-induced asthma, so the cold air wreaks havoc on my lungs, but with this versatile scarf, I can cover up to my eyeballs without feeling suffocated. It’s nice and stretchy, so it stays in place, too.
And guys, don’t forget to protect those oh-so-important privates! Get some briefs or boxers with a nylon wind barrier. They’ll keep the cold out on those nippy days.
3. Get the right shoes.
If you’re worried about snow and ice, check out the 2015 Winter Shoe Guide by Running Times. And look at that! Number two is Altra’s Lone Peak 2.0 (who just happens to be our sister company!) Whichever you choose, just make sure you’re always stable on those icy patches.
4. Shower and change.
When you’re cold, damp clothing increases your loss of heat. Right after your workout, get out of those cold, wet, sweaty clothes and jump into a steamy, hot shower. Then, get dry and cozy. Your muscles will stay nice and warm, so you’ll prevent cramping. You’ll also avoid chafing and bad smells!
So really, there’s no excuse for you to stay inside this winter, no matter the weather. Get out and get a-movin’!
~J. Rebecca Sanders
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
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Dash to the Finish Challenge: End the Year Strong with iFIT
We’ve reached the final stretch in iFIT’s Finish Strong journey, a three-month commitment to staying active, motivated, and focused through the end of the year. You’ve built your consistency, and now it’s time for the grand finale: the Dash to the Finish Challenge.This month is all about pushing to the finish line while celebrating how far you’ve come. Embrace the season, whether you’re walking through the holiday markets in Germany or feeling the Jingle Bell Burn in the iFIT Studio.It’s time to finish strong!Complete the workouts from your selected Challenge level by December 31, 2025 and you’ll earn this digital reward for your Trophy Case. Here are this month’s Challenges:Treadmill and elliptical workoutsWalking and Running: Finish strong this month with walks and runs! You’ll explore the famous holiday markets in Germany with Casey Gilbert, complete holiday-themed walks and runs in the iFIT Studio with Ashley Paulson, John Peel, Richard Biglia, Jesse Corbin, Pearl Fu, and Jonnie Gale, walk across a glacier in Argentina with John Peel, and wrap things up in Nepal with Ang Tshering Lama.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: Walk & RunCycling WorkoutsCycling: Cycle to the finish line this month! iFIT Trainer John Wessling will lead you through an interval ride and an endurance ride alongside a dog sled team in Alaska. Then, you’ll head to Colorado with iFIT Trainer Keith Gabel to explore the Devil’s Thumb Resort. Finally, iFIT Trainer Ashley McIvor will join you in Norway for a HIIT ride and strength ride that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: CyclingRower WorkoutsRowing: iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Susan Francia will take you on an epic adventure this month! Join Alex in Wales for endurance and speed rowing workouts, then head to Canada for quick but effective training with Susan, focused on HIIT, power, and endurance.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: RowingStrength workoutsStrength: Build strength in the iFIT Studio and in Iceland this month! Catch the incredible dynamic duos of Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto, John Peel and Ashley Paulson, and Hannah and Ashley, and a solo workout with Shannon Cooper for fun, holiday-themed workouts. iFIT Trainer Jonnie Gale will round things out with two strength-focused workouts in the stunning backdrop of Iceland.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: StrengthDisclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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