How to Work Out in Cold Weather And Improve Your Immune System in 2021

Exercising in cold weather has been something that fitness experts have been recommending for years.  As early as in the 1960s, renowned fitness expert B.S. Ahluwalia recommended that Indians should take up winter swimming to prevent diseases because it helps in improving the immune system, which is considerably weaker during the winter months.

Recently, scientists have also found new evidence that exercise in the cold helps the body to produce cells that fight off bacterial infections, viruses, and even cancer. The researchers found that exposing people to chilly air boosted levels of a protein called cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), which has been demonstrated to have potent effects on the immune system.

So if you want to stay fit, but you are concerned about your health in winter, it’s time to get moving – whether it’s jogging, cycling, skating, or winter swimming…

What Are The Benefits Of Working Out In The Cold?

Exercise in the cold increases production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off diseases. In fact, it has been shown to have a similar effect on your immune system as receiving a flu shot!

In addition, being exposed to chilly weather helps in cooling down your internal thermostat and reducing stress hormones in your body. This in turn reduces the risk of heart disease, which is one of the biggest killers in America.

So if you are looking to stay fit in winter without risking your health, you should take up exercising in cold weather. When it’s freezing outside, why not try something different like skiing, snowboarding, or even just a brisk walk around your neighborhood?

How To Exercise Outside In The Cold?

If you are looking to take up winter exercise for the first time, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, dress appropriately. It’s no use just putting on a coat and taking off for your usual run at the local park – unless you want to end up with a bad case of frostbite and hypothermia!

You need to dress like you would if you were going for a skiing session: thick socks, running shoes or cross-trainers, thermal underwear, sweaters, or fleece jackets – all topped off by a warm hat. If it is really cold, do not leave your face exposed, as otherwise, it can cause frostbite.

You should also ensure that you are well hydrated before the run – avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages though! You can drink water or fruit juice half an hour prior to the workout session.

What Should You Do?

Popular exercises in the cold include cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and winter swimming. If you don’t want to go out in the cold and run around a park or track, you can take up an indoor form of exercise: treadmill running is also a great option during winter.

You can also run in the winter, just watch out for ice, because one slip can send you right into a hospital.

Also, consider ice skating as a form of exercise during the winter months – it’s great for building up your leg muscles and burning calories! Along with improving your cardiovascular fitness, it also serves as a good way to have lots of fun in the cold weather outside.

Here are some exercises you can try out:

Skiing

Cross-country skiing has been popular among sports enthusiasts throughout history, and for good reason. It’s a great way to stay fit in winter without risking your health or spending too much money on equipment!

Skis and poles can be rented out at most places, and you can learn the basics of cross-country skiing in just a few hours.

Ice skating

Once you learn how to ice skate, there’s no stopping you. You can go all out on your favorite tunes, working up a real sweat as well as having great fun!

Swimming

Swimming is great for developing your cardiovascular fitness and improving muscle strength. If you don’t mind the cold, winter swimming is a great way to keep fit in the winter months!

Go For a Snowball Fight!

Snowball fights are a great way to have fun and improve coordination skills at the same time. If you manage to knock out your friends with snowballs, don’t forget to give them a shake-down to help bring their body temperature back up!

Just remember that exercising in cold weather is great for improving your health, so if you are looking to stay fit over the winter months, don’t forget to head outside and do it!

Running

Running is a great way to stay fit all year round. If you are looking for something more extreme, why not try winter running? It’s no use just dressing up warmly though – it’s important to get the right equipment for this!

You need to invest in some good waterproof clothes to keep yourself dry – your shoes should be water-resistant as well. During winter, your heart pumps hard to keep you warm, so it is very important that you protect it!