I just returned from Orlando Florida after finishing the Walt Disney World Marathon, and I have some real good advice on cold weather activities, also known as "exercise". We’ve talked about nutrition and simple over the counter remedies for winter health, and now we can discuss exercise.
Simple 30 minute activity exercises daily can help boost your immune system by opening your airways, your sinuses, and “pasteurizing” your blood. You don’t have to sweat, in fact, in cold weather, you don’t sweat as much, and you lose more calories.
Proper warm up is essential and can include as much as 3-5 minutes of stretching to as little as 10 to 20 seconds of jumping jacks. Don’t shock your body by getting out in to the cold weather and start running. Even jumping up and down 10 times is a good enough warm-up.
Insulating your body with some moisture wicking material is crucial, so that your body’s natural cooling system doesn’t make you shiver. Winter running gear has a wide selection on undergarments to wear. Be sure that the outer garment is wind and water resistant. This makes for a very comfortable activity outside in the cold weather.
When you have completed your activity, be it washing your car, going for a walk, run, bike, or most outdoors activities, then you would help your body best by maintaining the elevated temperature in your body for 5-10 minutes when you come inside.
This means no stripping down and jumping in the shower, but rather just letting your body’s natural thermo regulators do their job.
For most during the holidays, exercise is taboo, and the “Holiday 10 or 15” pounds that are gained will hopefully be taken care of with their New Year’s resolution. However, if you can try to treat your body well you won’t have to worry about that.
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