FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Physical training and workouts during the winter months can present different challenges for exercise enthusiasts, according to Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility staff.
Physical activity is good no matter what time of year it is, said Lynn Avila, Fortenberry-Colton fitness specialist. However, she stressed practicing proper techniques that are partially determined by the weather.
"It's important to do more of a warm-up before starting any exercise in the cold," said Avila. "I would also suggest doing more full-body exercises. Instead of just running, do things like jumping jacks."
Lower temperatures might change some things, but the frequency of workouts should not be affected, said Avila.
"Colder weather shouldn't slow you down," she added. "Running in the mornings will probably be more of a challenge because it's going to be darker and keeping the body temperature up will be important, too."
Sweating while working out in the winter months could also cause some issues exercise enthusiasts should do their best to avoid, she said.
"After a workout, it's best to change into something dryer immediately," Avila said. "The wind can also cause things like face-chapping and, if it's really cold and you've sweated a lot, hypothermia could be an issue, too."
Dressing properly is one way to avoid having issues while working out in the cold, Avila added.
"It's important to dress in layers if it's going to be cold," she said. "That's one of the ways to keep your body temperature regulated during a workout."
Staying hydrated is one issue some might not consider as important during the winter, said Kristi Fink, Fortenberry-Colton PFF fitness programs coordinator. However, it is just as vital in cold weather as it is in hot weather.
"Sometimes people think that staying hydrated is just something for the summer, but it's year-round," she said. "When you're dressed in layers, you can get hot really fast. It's important to drink plenty of water during any workout."
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