Dure, cold winter days may cause some year-round runners to think twice about their jogging, but recent research shows that the benefits of running in cold weather outweigh the benefits of running in warmer conditions.
Specifically, cold weather can help runners burn more bad fat, lose more weight, and feel healthier overall.
Exercise is good medicine, even in winter.
Running in cold weather creates less heat stress on the body, which makes jogging in the winter easier than jogging in the summer, Blomgren said. Higher body temperature is associated with increased exertion and stress in the heart, lungs, and metabolism.
Winter running, on the other hand, boosts your metabolism because the cold temperatures cause your average metabolism to slow down, trying to retain fat, Blomgren explains.
Cold-weather jogging can induce your body to stop slowing down and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Some advice is issued to those who choose to run in the cold :
Dress appropriately.
Wear sweat-wicking fabrics instead of cotton or wool.
Wear a headscarf. Drink plenty of water before and after running.
Keep an eye out for hidden ice on the runway.
Wear your nose and mouth to warm and fresh air and make it easier to breathe.
However, even the most tenacious cold-weather runners should consider staying indoors during sub-zero cold spells and always be vigilant in case of any signs of frostbite while outdoors.