We’re coming to the close of October (how is this possible?!) and the leaves in Wisconsin have already started changing color. Fall is one of my favorite times of year for this very reason, but it also is a reminder of what’s coming just around the corner…colder temperatures and shorter days! (😭) While I love that we always have our LYT community to provide an indoor workout each and every day, most people know that I love a good run, no matter the time of year. But boy do I hate being cold. Just the other day, someone said to me that “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear” and it’s SO TRUE. So I thought I’d focus this PT Corner on proper gear for cold weather exercise. I don’t think it’s something that everyone is familiar with, but it can make all the difference between enjoying your workout or being absolutely miserable.
When you’re exercising in cold temperatures, it’s imperative to layer so you stay warm and dry. First thing’s first: you need a base layer. This is the layer that is the closest to your skin and needs to be of a material that wicks the moisture away to prevent you from getting chilled after you’ve started sweating. Polyester is great because it’s durable and dries quickly. Merino wool is also good because not only does it wick moisture, but it’s insulating, breathable, and resists odor. When running, I prefer a thin, long-sleeved polyester or DryFit shirt as my base layer. For the lower half, many running tights come lined with a super thin fleece, which is a great, non-bulky way to combine the base layer with the next layer, which is an insulating layer. You want this layer to be thin and not too bulky or it can cause you to overheat. Lightweight fleece or a thin down jacket work nicely. I prefer the long-sleeved lightweight fleece when running, as it provides a nice spot to wipe my nose when it runs! (might be a little TMI, but it’s true!) For activities such as snow skiing, I’ll have my base layer of polyester long johns and my insulating layer of fleece sweatpants.
Next, you need an outer layer. This is a wind/waterproof layer to not only protect you from the elements of snow or rain, but also to keep the wind from ripping through the first two layers and freezing your sweat on your skin before it has the chance to evaporate. This layer should be breathable, which is why a lot of outerwear comes equipped with zippered armpits or even removable sleeves. When running in the cold without precipitation, I love a windbreaker vest. This allows plenty of heat to evaporate while keeping my core nice and toasty. However when skiing or snowboarding, the snow tends to get on people in some way, shape or form, so having full coverage on top AND bottom is best. Gore-Tex and nylon are great fabrics for an outer shell.
Finally, we need to keep the extremities warm, so don’t forget your hat, gloves, and footwear. A significant amount of heat is lost through the head so we want to keep it covered! Having a base and insulating layer is great for the feet, as most standard running shoes are not going to be waterproof. For other cold-weather activities, choosing shoes that are both insulated and waterproof is best. The same can be said for the hands when it comes to gloves or mittens. I prefer mittens if it’s really cold outside, as this allows my own body heat to keep the fingers warmer. A neck gaiter or a buff is critical for really cold days to keep your face and airways warm as well. And of course with the shorter daylight hours this time of year, a reflective vest and headlamp is important for safety if you’re running in the early morning or evening!
So keep getting LYT indoors with our online yoga classes, but if you’ve got the right gear, get outside and enjoy the upcoming colder temperatures too! Until next time, I’ll see you on the mat.
Xoxo,
Kristin
