image source
When the climate changes, this can affect your running program. During warm weather, outdoor running feels fantastic, however, when cold weather sets in, outdoor running seems to take the back seat due to freezing temperatures.
On the flipside, with proper gear and necessary precautions, you can still engage in outdoor runs, even during cold seasons. Extreme cold temperatures may require a change from your regular outdoor jog into other indoor activities that will ensure you always maintain your fitness levels.
You may now be asking, “Which sub-zero temperatures are deemed cold enough to curtail outdoor jogs?” Fitness experts warn that frostbite occurs at -17 degrees and is the number one injury risk likely to happen when running outdoors during cold seasons.
Winter should not be a time to slack off on training or put away your training shoes. Instead, you should use this time to ensure your body is in top shape. Mineral and vitamin supplements to complement your meals can come in handy. Steroids such as primobolan can be used to complete your training regimen, ensuring you reap maximum results.
Still Fancy Outdoor Running?
Should you choose to stick to your daily outdoor jog even during cold seasons, it is wise to dress heavily. Woolen clothes are a perfect choice for the base layer. Cotton clothes for insulation should follow, and finally, put on a training jacket. Don’t forget to wear woolen gloves and a cap to protect your face and hands against frostbite.
Dressing properly is important, but it’s not enough. An intense warm-up routine is critical to activate your muscles and body, alleviating risks of ‘cold muscle’ injuries. The warmup workout should comprise of exercises such as leg swings where you move your legs side to side and back to front, or jogging on the spot.
Substitute Outdoor Running
The common substitute for outdoor running is running on the treadmill. However, some feel that using the treadmill does not compare to outdoor jogging, and may even abandon running in wait for warmer temperatures. Other than that, indoor running may also seem a little bit boring due to limited space.
Nonetheless, running on a treadmill requires less energy since there is no wind resistance, meaning fewer calories are burned down. To add a little resistance, you can just adjust the inclination of your treadmill. Treadmill running does have a basket-load of benefits – constant temperatures, the option to switch speed and grade, and more.
Get Ready for a Staircase Challenge
An excellent substitute for outdoor running is staircase climbing. Apart from being more efficient than a treadmill, running up a flight of stairs improves your lung volume and strengthens your hip muscles.
Turn to Strength Workouts and Stretching Routines
Winter, with its long nights, provides the perfect time to put your body in shape through strength exercises and stretches. These will, in the long run, ensure you develop correct postures and alignment while running on a treadmill.
Since finding the most effective exercises to achieve this can be a tad confusing, seek the services of a professional trainer to help you plan the right routines.