KEEP IT NATURAL
A new study reveals that your go-to base layer should be made from…
Looking to stay warm but vented this winter? It’s time to go natural as a recent review of research into training in the cold, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and PublicHealth, concluded that Merino base layers are the
Holy Grail of layering, offering “greater thermal insulation properties and water absorbency than synthetic underwear” when worn against the skin. This is important because there’s clear empirical (and anecdotal) evidence that warm muscles perform better, one study revealing that a 1°C increase in muscle temperature boosts strength and power by 2-5%.
In a wide-ranging review, the global team of researchers also concluded that we’re at a significantly greater risk of conditions like upperrespiratory tract infections from training in environs under 5°C. The reason is down to dryness rather than the cold as cold air doesn’t hold as much water as warm air. This dryness irritates the airways. Prevention’s key here so either train indoors on your turbo or use a Buff or balaclava over your mouth to moisten the air.