Regular physical activity does your heart good. But exercising outdoors in cold weather puts an extra strain on your heart—boosting heart rate and blood pressure. That’s because, when the temperature dips, your body requires extra oxygen simply to keep warm. Add sudden, intense exertion—like running, skiing, or shoveling snow—and your heart rate and blood pressure can skyrocket.
None of this is a problem if you’re healthy. But if you have a family or personal history of heart disease—or if you have been inactive—check with your doctor before beginning an outdoor exercise program this winter.
People with asthma should also seek medical advice before exercising outdoors in cold weather, because inhaling very cold air can trigger an asthma attack. Wrapping a scarf loosely around the face may warm the air enough to make breathing comfortable.
Here are some other tips for safe cold-weather exercise:
Keep moving to keep warm.
Drink plenty of fluids; dehydration disturbs the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Wear a hat to hold in body heat.
Wear mittens instead of gloves; they keep your fingers warmer.
Wear shoes with good traction to avoid slipping on snow or patches of ice.
To avoid overheating, wear one less of layer of clothing than you would if you were outside but not exercising. |