Articles
Winter fitness: Safety tips for exercising outdoors
Don't forget safety gear — and sunscreen
Content
Stay safe during cold-weather exercise
Check weather conditions and wind chill
Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Dress in layers
Protect your head, hands, feet and ears
Don't forget safety gear and sunscreen
Drink plenty of fluids
Putting it all together for cold-weather safety
Protect your head, hands, feet and ears
When it's cold, blood flow is concentrated in your body's core, leaving your head, hands and feet vulnerable to frostbite.
Wear a thin pair of glove liners made of a wicking material (such as polypropylene) under a pair of heavier gloves or mittens lined with wool or fleece. Put on the mittens or gloves before your hands become cold and then remove the outer pair when your hands get sweaty.
Consider buying exercise shoes a half size or one size larger than usual to allow for thick thermal socks or an extra pair of regular socks. And don't forget a hat to protect your head or headband to protect your ears. If it's very cold, consider wearing a scarf or ski mask to cover your face.