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Last updated on January 10th, 2024 at 11:01 am
Just because it is getting cold outside, doesn’t mean you have to give up on outdoor workouts. Learning how to dress for winter exercise will help keep you comfortable and warm while you maintain your fitness goals. Check out our winter tips on how to dress for cold weather exercise.
Layers, Layers, Layers
When exercising outside, you should dress for conditions 15-20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. Dressing in layers will allow you to remove clothes as you adjust to changes in temperature and body heat.
- Base layer should wick away moisture. Avoid cotton because it holds moisture and will keep your body wet.
- Insulating layer can be heavy or thin, depending on the type of exercise you are doing and the actual air temperature.
- Outermost layer should be windproof and waterproof.
Keep Your Body Heat
Body heat is stored in your core, leaving your extremities vulnerable to the cold when you workout outdoors. For cold weather dress, focus on your head, neck, and feet to maintain your body heat.
- Hats and/or headbands
- Running gloves or mittens
- Neck warmers or gaiters
- Moisture-wicking socks
Protect Your Eyes and Face
Even when it’s cold or overcast, UV rays are reaching your skin so keep this in mind when exercising during the winter. The vitamin D you can get from the sun is beneficial and another reason to get outside, but even in the winter, you can get a sunburn!
- Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UBV rays.
- Even in the winter, the sun shines bright – protect your eyes with sunglasses.
- The dry winter air can wreak havoc on your lips. Stay hydrated and slide on a lip balm with SPF.
Bottom line – winter doesn’t mean the end to outdoor exercise if you follow these tips to dress correctly and comfortably for the conditions!
