For the true fitness guru, knowing how to stay active in the winter is important. While many people cocoon when the snow starts to fall, others break out the cold weather running gear and hit the streets. If you need a little help training when the temperature plummets and the icy winds blow, here are some tips on how to stay fit in winter.
Staying Motivated
Remembering your training goals can help keep you motivated during the winter months. You know what your goals are, and what you need to do to achieve them. This helps keep you going on those days when you’re wondering if it’s worth struggling into your cold weather running gear.
Try to maintain your regular schedule when possible, so you don’t have to make major changes to your exercise habits. Even if you usually train alone, the winter is a great time to train with a buddy. Knowing you have someone else expecting you to show up and train can be a great motivator.
Choose Fun Outdoor Winter Activities for Adults
Maintaining your usual training schedule during the winter isn’t always possible, of course. Even with proper winter workout clothes, some warm weather activities are all but impossible in the winter--or at least leave you cold and miserable.
Instead of struggling to maintain your usual training schedule, why not mix it up a little during the winter? Outdoor winter activities for adults abound, all of which come with equipment and winter workout clothes designed for the weather. Possibilities include:
- Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Cross country skiing
- Ice skating
- Hockey
- Curling
Take it Indoors
Training outside may not be your only option during the winter. Indoor tracks, tennis courts, and swimming pools allow you to continue to exercise no matter what the weather’s like outside.
Choosing the Right Cold Weather Running Gear
In 2012, researchers published a study in the The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology coined the term “enclothed cognition.” Basically, enclothed cognition means the clothes we wear influence how we behave. So if you associate your winter workout clothes with training, you’re more likely to train. Of course, it also helps if you look good at the same time.
Below is a selection of cold weather running gear and winter workout clothes we think help create a sense of enclothed cognition.
Winter Workout Clothes for Women
- The Under Armour Ladies Double Threat Fleece Hoodie: A light, breathable fleece with a relaxed fit and soft brushed inner layer.
- The Under Armour Women’s Corporate Reactor Jacket: A 100 percent polyester jacket with a water repellent surface and Coldgear® insulation that adapts to your activity level.
- The North Face Ladies Thermoball Vest: Contoured to maintain core warmth in cold, wet weather, this water-repellent vest is a great addition to your winter workout clothes.
- The North Face Ladies Sweater Fleece Jacket: A warm but breathable piece of cold weather running gear, this polyester jacket keeps you warm with a brushed fleece interior.
Winter Workout Clothes for Men
- The Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Infrared Dobson Softshell Jacket: With a soft, thermo-conductive inner layer to absorb and retain body heat and windproof construction, this jacket repels water without sacrificing breathability.
- The Under Armour Men’s Ultimate Long Sleeve Windshirt: This ultra-lightweight shirt lets you move with ease, while its patented moisture transport system wicks away sweat before it can cool and chill you.
- The North Face Softshell Vest: Ideal for covering your core without restricting mobility, this wind-resistant piece of cold weather running gear boasts a durable water repellent finish and is wind-resistant.
- The North Face Mens Sweater Fleece Jacket: Heavyweight but breathable, this sweater-knit fleece will keep you warm as you jog on the winter trials.