6 Tips for Your Best – and Safest - Cold-Weather Workout

With temperatures dropping, you may be tempted to return to the gym. But many experts are still warning against exercising inside with other people. You may not be able to distance yourself enough to prevent infection from viruses. In today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing 6 strategies that can keep you safe during your winter activities.

1. Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Pay close attention to the temperature, moisture level, and wind speeds. If the wind chill is extreme, it's raining or snowing, or temps drop below zero, exercising outdoors can be risky.
2. Wear layers of clothing. If you dress too warmly, it can increase your risk of overheating, even in frosty weather. Instead, layer your clothing so you can take off layers as you warm up. If moisture soaks through your clothing, it may be difficult to keep your central body temperature up.
3. Pay sufficient attention to your hands, head, and feet. When you're doing a workout that makes your heart pump, blood flows to your brain and heart, leaving your feet, head, and hands exposed to the cold. Wear a hat, warm socks, and gloves, and if it's particularly chilly, put on a scarf.
4. Always warm up and cool down. Don’t just leave your cozy home and launch directly into a sprint; instead, take time to warm up your major muscles. Your joints may stiffen when it's cold, so stretching out and warming up is crucial during the cold winter months.
5. Drink plenty of liquids. People often think more about being hydrated during the hotter months but don’t realize that they can get dehydrated in the colder months as well. Hydrating yourself before, during, and after exercise is vital, not simply to maintain well-being and health but also to fight off infection.
6. Take in some vitamin D. To keep your immune system humming along, consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Ensuring you are taking in enough vitamin D can boost your immune system, keep your hormones in balance, and improve your bone health.

Exercise should be thought of as medicine. In some cases, it can even replace medication for people with hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. It's great for the body and the mind, and it can help fight off infections.

If you need more tips for keeping your feet healthy and safe this winter, contact Dr. Hubert Lee and his team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.