How to protect yourself in a cold-weather workout

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 23, 2020

Before you start a new exercise routine, it’s important you consult with your primary care provider to make sure that your plan is safe for you. “People who are older, are overweight or are taking medications for medical conditions may be putting themselves at risk,” said Dr. Eric Warren, medical director of Novant Health Sports Medicine. He practices at Novant Health Waxhaw Family & Sports Medicine.

Extreme cold weather can cause a person’s airways to tighten, sometimes making breathing more difficult. Your body works harder to keep warm, requiring more energy to do so. The muscles require more energy, as well, to regulate your body’s core temperature.

Here are a few things to consider before you head outside for that long walk or winter training run.

Check the forecast

Before heading out, “Check to see how the wind chill is affecting the real feel of temperature because that can put you at risk for hypothermia and frostbite,” Warren said. “A wet, rainy cold day can also make you feel colder than a dry but cold day.”

Plan to run at midday when the day has warmed up some, Warren advised and don’t forget to use sunscreen on exposed parts of your body.

Layer up

Wear lightweight, synthetic material closest to your body. Keeping moisture away from your skin helps you to stay dry and warm at the same time.

And, Warren added, “Wear fabric that wicks sweat away from the body. Cold sweat can make you hypothermic even quicker.”

Consider fleece or wool as a second layer to help insulate if you will be outside for some time. Your third outer layer should be a breathable, waterproof, wind-repellant item.

Most of the body’s heat is lost through the skin, and the most heat is lost through the head, so wearing a hat is a good idea. Be sure to cover your ears, which are susceptible to frostbite in extreme cold. Wear gloves to protect your fingertips, and ensure your feet stay warm and dry with proper footwear and wicking socks (not cotton), which are specially designed to keep feet dry.

Warren said you might want to consider getting shoes that are a half size bigger than what you normally wear in order to accommodate thicker socks.

Stand out

Visibility in the winter months can easily be overlooked. Dress in light-colored, reflective clothing. It gets darker earlier, and you want to ensure you are seen while you are outside exercising.

Stay stable

This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure your footwear is up to the task. Plan on wearing good shoes that are sturdy and slip resistant. This could mean adding traction to everyday running shoes if you plan on running on icy areas.areas.

Warm up

Be sure to stretch indoors and perform some dynamic stretching movements to raise your heart rate to warm your muscles before you head outside.

Warming up your muscles makes them more pliable which lessens the risk of muscle injury, Warren said. Prior to running, he recommends some low-level cardio activity such as jogging in place or jumping jacks.

Special considerations

Many medical conditions can be aggravated by cold weather, including asthma, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and COPD. If you have a health issue, discuss an exercise plan with your primary care doctor.

If you have asthma: It’s important to always carry your rescue inhaler. Cold air can make your body work overtime, especially the heart and lungs. This can cause blood pressure to rise as the blood vessels constrict, making breathing more difficult and leading to an acute exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Be careful with any strenuous activity, from running to shoveling heavy, wet snow.

People with asthma are more prone to broncho constriction, Warren said.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to dress appropriately to minimize frostbite and wear sturdy, slip-resistant shoes to protect feet and circulation.

If you are elderly, take precaution to stay warm but not to overdress. Layering is key. Wearing good, sturdy shoes that are slip-resistant can help reduce falls. Exercise in a familiar area with good lighting to reduce the risk of falls.

Head inside if temps get too low

When it is really cold, you should take your exercise indoors, particularly if the wind chill is affecting the temperature.

Warren noted that a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit and a wind speed of 15 miles per hour creates a wind chill temperature that feels like -19 degrees Fahrenheit. “People can get frostbite within half an hour under these conditions.”

Exposed skin has an increased risk of frostbite in less than 30 minutes in extreme cold. Opt for an alternative to being outside in these conditions.