Exercising consistently becomes harder during colder seasons. Workouts are either cut or lessened during winter. When the winter season rolls over we often feel lethargic and motivation is at an all-time low. Growing up winter seasons included sleeping for longer and being a lazy person in front of the heater while watching my favorite shows. Exercising in winter was the last thing on my do-list, in fact, it never made it to the list. A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found out that exercising in winter burns more calories than when done in warmer temperatures.
Why Exercising In Winter Is Good For You.
Boost Your Immune System & Heart Health.
Winter workouts boost immunity during the cold and flu seasons. Your immune system plays a key role in fighting against the flu. A study in the American Journal of Medicine found that women who walked for 30 minutes daily had half the number of colds than those who did not exercise. Walking regularly may lead to higher numbers of white blood cells which will help your body fight flu and infections. Regular exercise strengthens your immune system so that it can fight off diseases.
Activates Brown Fat.
Exercising in winter transforms white fat (belly and thigh fat) into calorie-burning or brown fat. The purpose of brown fat is to burn calories and generate heat. Brown fat is often referred to as good fat because it helps burn calories rather than storing it. It is normally located around the neck and kidneys. When you exercise in cold weather your body activates brown fat. Do not shy away from exercising in colder conditions.
Fight Winter Fatigue.
Working out when it is cold helps you to feel more engaged and invigorated. When you exercise in summer you have to deal with the heat and humidity, in winter that will not be a problem. Your body regulates its temperature better when it is cold. People exercise longer when it is cold. Longer exercise sessions will burn more calories.
Reduce Seasonal Affective Disorder & Anxiety.
Exercising in winter will help reduce seasonal affective disorder and anxiety. 14% of people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is characterized by regular depressive periods during autumn and winter. Sunlight is one of the best treatments for SAD because of vitamin D. Another great treatment is regular exercise. Any form of moderate-intensity exercise will reduce the symptoms of SAD. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts like running, cycling, and dancing will reduce depression and anxiety.
Lower Heart Rate.
Working out in winter causes your heart rate to be lower. Doing cardio or running with a lower heart rate will make you feel less exhausted. Endurance sports or distance running can feel easier in colder weather. The winter season is a perfect time to see how far your body can go. Working out in winter will do wonders for your performance and is better than exercising in the heat.
Keep The Fire Burning During Winter.
Winter is not a season to take it easy with your health goals. It is a perfect time to train your body to exercise when you do not feel like it. In warmer weather, your body climatizes or adapts to the heat. Alternatively, when it is cold our bodies will not do that. Your body will constrict blood vessels and you will start to shiver. Therefore, it is important to wear warmer clothes when you are exercising in winter. Take off some layers as you get warm and put them back on when you get cold.
If you can wake up early and kick the blankets during winter, exercising in summer will be a breeze. Challenge yourself to stay active during the colder season and make exercising a lifestyle.