Benefits of Exercise Training in Cold Weather

Now that the summer season is behind us, consistent cool days are in our future. During the fall and winter, you may be tempted to stay indoors and take a long hiatus from exercise until the spring and summer months make their debut. If so, you're not alone as this is all too common.

If you'd like to improve your health and stay in great shape during the cooler months, consider exercise training in cold weather. Believe it or not, it can bring you a variety of unexpected benefits. Here are several of the most noteworthy ones.

Strengthens Immunity

Unfortunately, the colder weather and illnesses like the common cold and flu go hand-in-hand. Not only will outdoor exercise help you ward off symptoms of these conditions, it can also reduce your risk of catching them. You may be surprised to learn that your immune system actually works harder in the cold. A routine outdoor exercise routine can strengthen your immunity and keep you healthy.

Improves Cardiovascular Workouts

Your body will work harder while it's training in the cold. This means your cardiovascular system will do extra work as well. You'll find that your heart pumps blood to your body and stays in optimal condition. Since heart disease and related conditions are common and potentially life-threatening, heart strengthening cardiovascular workouts are important.

Boosts Mood

Let's be honest. It can be a real challenge to wake up in a great mood when it's cold and gloomy outside. Fortunately, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is common and can be avoided or resolved through exercise training in cold weather. While working out can always increase your endorphins and make you feel better, it's effect is especially strong during the colder seasons. In addition to boosting your mood, exercising outside can provide you with some much needed vitamin D.

Burns Ample Calories

You're bound to burn more calories while doing the same indoor workout outside. This is because your body will be forced to work harder and regulate its internal temperature. As it strives to stay warm, your metabolism will be placed into overdrive mode and allow you to burn more calories and fat.

Offers New Training Opportunities

If the idea of running on a treadmill in your basement or gym doesn't appeal to you, understand that the great outdoors open the doors to a variety of new and exciting training opportunities. You can run around your neighborhood and take in the scenic views, go for a hike at a local park, ski, or even swim in cold water. Get creative and mix things up to keep yourself motivated to stick to your training routine.

Look at the cold weather as a positive. After all, it may be just what you need to make the most out of exercise training and lead the happy, healthy life you deserve.