Why Exercising Outside is BETTER + WIN a free hat!
It’s no secret that winter is NOT my favorite season. But that doesn’t mean I stop going outside to exercise and have fun. Exercising outside - even in the winter - is better than drumming it out on a treadmill or stationary bike any day of the week! So get outside!
Why Exercising Outside is BETTER
Exercising outside is more interesting. The scenery changes and keeps you engaged and present in the moment.
Time goes faster. Well, not really…but have you ever noticed that a single minute on a treadmill feels like 85,000 minutes? Exercising outside engages all of your senses and can make you forget that you’re “exercising”.
Exercising outside reduces stress. Humans evolved in the outdoor environment. We’re built for it and our bodies are healthier when we spend more time outside – yes even in cold temperatures. Reduced stress means healthier and slimmer bodies.
Outdoor air is better. Air quality in indoor spaces is not great – especially during the winter when all doors and windows are closed for long periods of time. Exercising outside oxygenates your blood and cells better and reduces exposure to indoor air pollution.
Natural light can help you sleep. Exercising outside exposes your eyes (and brain) to natural light. This can help your brain determine what time it actually is, which can help to re-regulate your sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.
Cold can increase brown fat. Did you know that humans have two types of fat? White fat is the metabolically inactive stuff we typically want to get rid of. But brown fat is different! Brown fat acts more like muscle: it burns calories and white fat, even when at rest! Cold exposure can increase brown fat…so start exercising outside when it’s cold!
Winter is a many-splendored season. Nature is full of surprises at this time of year. Frost-encrusted winter landscapes, beautiful patterns in pond ice, and animal footprints in the snow. Winter reveals a secret world you never knew existed when the leaves are on the trees.
I could probably go on, but I think you get the point: EXERCISING OUTSIDE IS BETTER FOR HUMANS!
Exercising outside in winter lets you in on a secret and beautiful world!
How can I make exercising outside more comfortable when it’s so cold?
If you live in Ohio (or pretty much any state north of the “climate divide”), exercising outside can really suck the big one in December, January, and February...unless you’re well-dressed! Here are some considerations and basic needs for exercising outside in the winter:
Check your local weather conditions before you head out. You should know how cold it’s going to be, wind direction and speed, and whether or not you’ll be dealing with precipitation. All of these factors will play into your wardrobe selection. If you’ll be out alone, don’t forget to tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to be back!
Decide what you plan to do and how long you’ll be outside. Different activities require slightly different types of cold-weather clothing. For example, if you’ll be running or doing something that’s going to make you sweat, you’ll want synthetic, stretchy, and thin layers that you can easily peel away. If you’re going for a leisurely hike or walk, you can probably get away with cotton-based layers and a hoodie under your winter jacket.
Dress appropriately. No matter what type of outside exercise you choose, if it’s cold you’ll need a good base layer, waterproof outer shell, decent pair of gloves or mittens, and waterproof boots or shoes. But the biggest rule of cold-weather comfort: cover your head! I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate wearing a hat because of my long and super-thick curly hair. I end up looking more like a yeti than a cute snow-bunny. I was thrilled when I discovered a genius hat with a hole in the top for a ponytail…and even happier when I learned that I could buy one locally and support a young artist!
There’s no excuse not to take your workout outside — even in the winter! Looking super-cute in a new pony-hat doesn’t hurt either! You can win a hand-made hat from a local artisan! Just follow the instructions below!
Bundle up baby! Exercising outside is better - even in winter! Just dress right…and get a super-cute pony-hat from a talented local artisan!
Want to start exercising outside? Want to look cute doing it? Want to support a local artisan? You can do all three…for FREE! Enter to win a pony-hat! Here’s how:
This contest has ended!
Like my business page on Facebook by clicking here and then clicking the “Like” button.
In the comment section below tell me about your favorite winter outdoor activity!
Scroll down to the end of this page and enter your email list under “Subscribe” and then click “Sign up”. I promise I will not inundate your mailbox with daily emails and program advertisements, nor will I share your email with third parties!
This contest has ended! Check back often because I will be running a new contest quarterly in 2019!
Meet the talented local artisan!
Katrina is 16 years old and lives with her family in Medina, Ohio. She learned to knit when she was 11 years old by watching YouTube videos! The very first thing she made was a scarf and since then she has expanded to making hats, and has also taught herself to crochet.
This talented young lady is ready to take custom orders! If you’d like to order a hat, scarf, or another project, Katrina can be contacted via email at katreetree@outlook.com. Please include the following in the subject line: "knitting/crocheting", and include your phone number and name in the email. She will be touch ASAP!
You can also follow her on Instagram @Dove_Yarns
Remember to support local businesses and artisans this holiday season!
Blog Author: Kelly Bailey, IIN certified holistic nutrition coach, and NPTI certified personal trainer
Learn more about the author here.