Yes, you can enjoy the outdoors in the winter!
Want to get outside, but winter is finally here? Don’t let the cold scare you! It is so great to get out and feel that fresh air and get some sunlight, especially if you live in a place which gets very little sunlight in the winter. Being active outside is also a great way to be social, but still socially distanced.
Skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing are some of the most popular winter outdoor activities there are. They all get your heart pumping and are great for the cardiovascular system. Are those not your type of activities? You can enjoy hiking and rucking, which are both excellent outdoor activities and things that cost nothing that anyone can do! They can be done in any type of weather. You just need the proper gear!
Hats gloves, mittens, lined pants, wool socks, and an all weather winter coat are main staples of winter weather workouts. Dress in layers because even though it is cold, you can still work up a sweat! Always leave a spare set of clothes, especially socks and shoes at your base point to change when you complete your activity. Especially after a heavy rain, or snow, trails can become messy to trudge through and soak through shoes and socks. You may want to invest in a pair of waterproof hiking shoes to get you through the trails with dry socks.
Did you know you can become dehydrated in cold weather? Yes! It is true! Sweat evaporates more quickly in the cold and you can become dehydrated. It is important to drink water during your outdoor activities even when you may not feel thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated.
To enjoy your winter outdoor activities remember these things:
Wear proper clothing for the activity, hats, gloves, socks, shoes, etc.
Dress in layers. You can still work up a sweat and you don’t want to overheat but also want to stay warm.
Stay hydrated. Yes! You can become dehydrated even during cold weather activities.
If you remember these things, you can enjoy the outdoors all year long! Get out there and enjoy the outdoors!
