SNOW excuses...

OK, so if an actual blizzard starts up outside, perhaps you can swerve that outdoor workout. But er But if it’s only the chilly temperatures putting you off? Better start lacing those trainers…

it’s cold outside, we know. How? Because we’ve already had a gazillion grumbles about it with chatty strangers (how British). And while using the weather as an excuse to skip your workout may be tempting, it turns out those wintry conditions are actually good for you (sorry). Running in cool temperatures feels easier, keeps your heart rate lower and slows dehydration, according to research from St Mary’s University in London. Regardless of the time of year, outdoor training is generally found to be best for boosting mood (one study* found that when people exercised in nature, they had more energy and felt less tense and depressed compared to when they worked out indoors). Even better, you’re more likely to exercise for at least 30 minutes longer per week if you do it exclusively outside† – and, let’s be honest, crushing a workout in savage weather feels far better than your average stuffy gym sesh.

The number-one rule when exercising in the great outdoors? Less bulk, more layers. “You don’t need as much clothing as you think you do,” says Mark Andrew Sunderland, a specialist in performance apparel at Thomas Jefferson University. He recommends choosing multiple thin, wind-resistant pieces you can shed as you warm up, keeping your base layer on the bottom. You should also still feel a little chilly when you step out of the door. Now, repeat after us: goosebumps are a good thing. Here’s how to nail that winter workout…

Embrace the shiver

The shock you feel when you swap your duvet for the frosty pavement is physiologically unavoidable, but that shiver up your spine serves a purpose: it signals that your metabolism is revving up.‡ Your body is hard-wired to prefer storing fat over burning it, so it sends you a warning that you’re at risk of expending your stockpiled calories. That’s the point, so keep pushing on.

Warm up well

We all know how hard it is to leave a cosy bed, so this should be welcome news: it’s OK to delay going outside for a little longer, as long as you’re spending those extra minutes getting ready to roll. By warming up inside and raising your heart rate, you’ll increase the blood flow to your muscles prior to going out in the freezing cold. Plus, you’ll be lubricating your lungs, getting them ready to work, and preparing your body for the undeniably bleak weather it’s about to encounter.

Try foam rolling, walking or jogging for a few minutes, then incorporating a movement-based exercise, like jumping jacks or mountain climbers (or even just running up and down the stairs – anything to get your blood flowing without breaking a sweat) for five minutes. When you do make it out of the door, give your body time to adjust to the conditions by taking 30-second breaks every few minutes for the first 10. Not so bad after all, eh?

You may be an early-bird exerciser, but on extremely cold days, your best – and safest – bet is to hold off until mid-afternoon. This means you’re not going out in the dark and temperatures are at their highest. If you’re having to battle extreme winds, ice or darkness, then sit it out – safety first.

“One way to do your recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity** is to do 30 minutes’ exercise five days a week. But depending on your fitness, you may want to break this into chunks, build up to it over time, or go for a little longer,” says running coach and personal trainer Mollie

Millington (known as The Happiness Personal Trainer). “If you’re worried about slipping on ice, even a brisk walk will do.”

Pairing up in colder months can hold you accountable and keep you in a routine when it comes to regular exercise (especially on those days when vegging out in front of the TV with a mountain of spag bol feels far more appealing). “It’s also safer to be out in a group, especially when it’s dark or remote, or if there’s inclement weather,” says Elliott Upton, a personal trainer at Ultimate Performance. Plus, teaming up with someone who you perceive to be athletically superior can make you go longer and harder than if you were going at it alone (up to 200% harder, actually), according to a Kansas State University study.

Stable, safe footing should be your priority when planning a winter running route. Look for a loop in your neighbourhood that you can repeat as many times as you want – that way, if you become tired, the ground turns slippy or you get wet, you'll still be close to home and can quickly escape the elements.

If you’re running on a blustery day, try to run into the wind on your way out and have it at your back on your return. It’s best to avoid running into the wind when you’re wet and sweaty because you’ll risk getting a chill.

Alternatively, if running isn’t your bag, try something short and sharp like HIIT

“Not into running? Try some short and sharp HIIT instead”

(high-intensity interval training), says Upton. “Ultimately, though, the best type of winter training is always going to be one that you enjoy and are therefore more likely to keep up.”

Wind down properly

Once you stop running, squatting or whatever it is you prefer doing, your core body temperature will drop quickly, so ditch those wet, sweaty clothes as soon as you can (sports bra and all). A warm shower (not hot, as your skin will be sensitive) will do nicely too, so make sure you leave time for one.

“Warming back up gradually while stretching indoors will help your body recover from your session,” says Millington. A hot drink or hearty soup (which will also help to replenish your protein and sodium stores) is another sure-fire way to feel toasty again. ◆

“That shiver up your spine serves a purpose – it signals that your metabolism is revving up”