As winter gradually descends, most of us are preparing our winter clothing to enjoy the fresh, bone-chilling air. While freezing temperatures can certainly feel punishing, going out in the winter outdoors can be extremely beneficial for our mind and body. This is especially true for winter sports enthusiasts who prefer to exercise in freezing weather to boost their fat-burning ability and metabolism.
Whether you’re a beginner or a winter sports expert, the secret to having a fun and worthwhile winter workout is wearing the right clothes. Dressing up for a winter workout doesn’t mean pulling on a giant parka or a hefty sweater. Of course, the last thing you want is to wear something that will hinder your movement along the winter slopes. As much as possible, you need to stay dry and warm while feeling light and comfy all over.
If you want to take advantage of the excitement brought by winter exercise, don’t let the freezing weather stop you. Here are some ways to dress comfortable and warm even in the coldest months.
Layer up!
Knowing how to dress in lightweight and multiple layers is a great tip to stay warm when you’re out exercising in the cold. What’s great about layering is you can add and shed clothing if there are changes in exercising levels and temperature.
Winter clothing brands such as Nordica have been introducing innovations for modern fitness buffs who want to stay active during winter. One example is the Nordica women’s ski boots, known for ultimate comfort and unparalleled performance. Other brands also offer high-tech fabric with climate control features to trap body warmth under multiple layers while allowing moisture from sweat to escape.
Layering is not just about putting multiple clothes on the body, you have to follow certain rules to maximize body heat. The layering system involves three components: a moisture-wicking layer (base), middle insulating layer, and outer shell layer. When shopping for winter clothing, these three components should guide you when looking for fabrics and styles.
Garments need to be compressible and lightweight to easily carry them in the rucksack or fanny pack. They should consist of breathable and quality synthetic fabrics for a comfortable fit despite wearing multiple layers. If you plan to use them for other winter activities, choose a versatile garment for different weather conditions.
Other factors that may influence workout clothes are body type, fitness level, activity type, and location. Winter running, cross-country skiing, and other intense aerobic activities require different layering systems than other winter sports, such as downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Keep out moisture
If you prefer highly intense winter activities, such as cross-country skiing, hiking, running, expect to get warm and perspire at a faster rate. This is very uncomfortable and dangerous because trapping sweat on the skin will bring more chills while cooling down.
Beat the moisture and sweat by wearing lightweight and compressible clothing to easily breathe when warming up. When picking winter workout clothing, make sure the garment has great moisture management features. This means it should wick away the moisture from the skin towards the outer surface to evaporate. These are often made of ultra-light fabrics which serve as an inner layer to ensure moisture-free feeling, better performance, and ultimate fit.
The second layer can be a stretchy insulator in the form of a breathable vest or fleece sweater, then top it with a versatile and lightweight shell jacket. These jackets are perfect for mild workouts to strenuous aerobic activities. The most popular workout fabrics are Windstopper and Gore-Tex that offer jacket shells made from breathable, windproof, waterproof, and ultra-lightweight materials. For better ventilation, look for back flaps, venting pockets, and underarm zippers.
Stay dry
One of the best ways to beat the harsh cold is to stay dry. Aside from wearing the right layers and windproof garments, the clothing needs to have several venting options. A great tip is to get a long underwear that is either mid or heavyweight with extra wicking features.
You may also try a lofty insulator or a fleece pile to protect the skin while keeping it warm in the cold. A general rule is choosing a fabric that is breathable and moisture-wicking for a dryer feeling. If you’re going boarding or skiing, a windproof fleece is a great option without the added bulk.
Wearing the proper layers and garments is the secret to have fun on the winter slopes. The suggestions above do not only ensure ultimate comfort, but they will also keep you safe from the dangers of the winter weather.
