My Top Tips to Winterise Your Outdoor Training

Firstly I want to say how awesome you are for continuing to exercise now that it is colder and darker in the evenings.

It’s not easy getting out the door at this time of year but it is worth it and it is a lot of fun!

This is a list of some things to take into consideration while you are training outdoors through the winter.

• The good news is that exercising outdoors (especially in winter) means your body needs more energy and has to work harder keeping you warm. So you burn more calories exercising outside in winter J A very positive reason to do it if ever there was one!

• Hydration is still very important when the air is damp/wet. You are still sweating and your body is working hard to keep you warm so it needs the additional cooling effect of water so please continue to drink throughout your session when you need to

• Check the forecast before you leave the house and take appropriate clothing

• If we are training in a park ensure that your shoes have a good grip that will help you to avoid slipping on uneven and wet ground

• Ensure you are looking for hazards on the ground in the dark

• Hats and gloves start to become essential as the weather gets colder. During your warm up, you want to retain as much heat as possible. Also from a health perspective, in parks, it is difficult to see what is on the floor and gloves protect from anything we don’t want to touch

• A lightweight (not necessarily expensive) waterproof jacket can be very handy, especially if it is raining at the start of your workout

• At the start of your workout you want to feel a little chilly. Layer appropriately but you don’t want to feel that your movement is restricted with too many layers. You are going to get hot during the workout!

• The best way to keep warm is to layer your clothing. Start with a short or long sleeved base layer that is very fitting, then a short or long sleeve t-shirt made of good quality wicking material and a thermal top or sweat shirt on top. These can all be removed as you get warmer

• If you have been wearing long or baggy trousers in the summer it’s time to invest in some fitted leggings to avoid them soaking up the rain/snow. If you are a little self-conscious doing this, then wear a long top to cover those parts you don’t want on show

• Where possible (especially for evening sessions) wear a colourful top. It’s important to be seen, even in the confines of a park. If you have clothing with reflective strips, all the better

• When and if we get snow and ice later in the year or early next year I swear by Yaktrax https://www.yaktrax.co.uk/product/yaktrax-pro/ Not only are they awesome for your workouts, they are great for just walking about in general! I have run all through the last two winters not missing any training thanks to these little beauties J

• Get out of wet/damp clothes as quickly as possible after your session. Sitting around in wet clothing is a recipe for illness L Have a bath/shower as quickly as you can and then it’s straight to the kitchen for a hot drink and some lovely healthy food to refuel that fab body

• Take a supplement. Whilst I’m not a fan of taking medication sometimes it’s essential to stay healthy in winter. If like me, you are susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections at this time of year (as I have asthma) then I have already started taking a daily Yakult. It’s a great immune supporter and kept me healthy last year.

I also take a Vitamin D supplement which is needed by our immune system (among many other functions) to fight off all those viruses, flying around at this time of year. This is the one I take as it’s a spray and quickly absorbed http://www.betteryou.uk.com/DLux3000

Preparing for winter training doesn’t have to be an expensive retail therapy exercise but the tips above are ones that will hopefully make exercising outdoors even more enjoyable!

If you need any advice on places to go to buy reasonably priced good quality clothing I am always happy to help

Places like TKMaxx, Sports Direct, Decathlon and lots of online retailers have really well priced clothing that won’t break the bank and keep you warm and toasty during those sessions.

Here’s to a healthy and happy winter

Anita