OUTSMARTING THE WINTER CHILL
Well it’s official – Winter has well and truly arrived.
Winter has a knack for knocking us off track when it comes to staying active – it’s a breeding zone for excuses. “It’s too cold to go outside” and “I’d rather stay in bed” are just a few of the usual suspects! Sound familiar?
In our experience a good way to kill the excuses is with a killer wardrobe that looks good and serves you well. Getting your wardrobe sorted will equip you with the right tools to brave the cold, enjoy your workout and reap all the rewards physical activity has to offer. Did you know that regular exercise can boost your energy, improve your mood and strengthen your immune system, helping you fight infections like the cold and flu? Enough said!
Here are some of the top MB Team tips when it comes to dressing for cold
weather exercise:
Sensible layering is crucial!
Layering is the best way to combat changes to the external temperate as well as your own internal body temperature.
Steer clear of wearing anything that is too heavy and non adjustable. The risk of overheating is increased if you have no way of modifying your body temperature.
Be careful not to go overboard with layers – becoming too hot will increase sweat production and moisture, which is only going to leave you feeling wet and uncomfortable.
To minimise heat loss and moisture absorption in the cold aim for 3 layers.
LAYER 1
Closest to the body – should focus on drawing moisture away from the body so be on the lookout for ‘moisture wicking’ fabrics. Fabrics that absorb sweat will only increase moisture.
LAYER 2
Central layer – should be chosen on the basis of temperature and chosen exercise. This layer is really all about insulation. If it’s quite mild you might opt for a thin throwover, however if it’s on the chilly side you might prefer a thicker jacket. Basically, this will be the layer that you can add or remove as needed so trust your judgement.
LAYER 3
Exposed layer – should ideally be able to protect you from the elements. We’ve seen some really windy days recently so windproof styles are excellent!
REMEMBER
The aim when layering is to stay warm and minimise heat loss. At the same time you want to avoid overheating and sweating profusely.
You still want to be able to feel some cold to know that you haven’t gone too far with your layering.
If the weather is particularly cold try adding a beanie and/or some gloves. Again, these are perfect for cold weather exercise because they help to minimise the amount of heat that is lost but can also be removed when necessary.
When it comes to bottom of the body, choose what is most comfortable for you. If full-length tights make you feel too warm when working out, opt for a ¾ or knee length style. On the other hand, if ¾ or knee length styles hold you back from braving the outdoors – get hold of a full-length pair ASAP!
So what are our ‘go to’ layering pieces in the MB office? Here’s some inspiration…
