It’s no surprise that getting outside in the winter months becomes more challenging. Between the shorter days, the potential for bad weather, and cooler temperatures, cold weather often makes us want to curl up and stay in our warm homes, avoiding that trip outside altogether. But that’s not to say getting outside has to be a chore – staying safe and getting your steps in is still possible in the winter.
Try these tips for getting around safely this winter to stay warm and motivated while outdoors.
If you venture outside in the dark, don’t forget light.
This is important! With daylight savings in full swing, walking or biking outside after the sun goes down can be a safety hazard without proper visibility. Make yourself visible to vehicles and other pedestrians by adding lights or reflectors to your bike or body.
• Stay in well-lit areas if possible
• Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing
• Deck out your bike with bike lights
Pick your best route ahead of time.
Finding the running, walking, or biking route you wish to tackle ahead of time is helpful, especially when it’s dark out. Luckily, there are plenty of apps that can help you do this. Under Armor’s MapMyRun, MapMyWalk, and MapMyRide apps are great whether you are mapping your everyday commute to work or discovering a new route for your long run days. The apps can help you plan out your distance and route ahead of time and help ensure you stay on safe and well-light streets and trails.
Find what clothing and accessories work best for you!
If you exercise outside often, walk, or bike to work, you likely know what your perfect winter set-up is already. Do you run hot or cold? Do you like layers or as little laying as possible? The best way to stay warm, dry, and comfortable during cold-weather exercise is to learn how to properly outfit yourself for the weather conditions and type of exercise. When you step outside to begin walking or biking, you should feel chilly, but not cold. During your workout, you want to feel warm, not hot, and sweaty.
Don’t forget your fluids.
Plenty of water/fluids is just as important in the cold weather as in the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout, even if you’re not thirsty. Dehydration happens quickly in the winter from sweating and the drying power of the stronger winds, leaving your skin parched and body dehydrated. Don’t forget your water!
Protect your extremities.
Wonder why your hands, feet, head, and ears get so cold in the winter? When your body gets cold, blood flow concentrates at your body’s core, leaving your extremities vulnerable to feeling cold. Depending on the temperatures, be sure to grab a hat, gloves, scarf, and thick socks before you head outdoors. Here are items you need for those outdoor adventures this season.
We hope you stay warm and active this winter! If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to the Tysons Central Connect team.