Sports gear to wear when going for a winter run

The cold weather will either keep you on your toes or under the blankets. Don’t fuss with getting out and getting exercise. Instead, overcome your fitness rut, go for a run or put on your cycling shoes to go for a refreshing bike ride.

The icy, fresh air will do you good. It’ll have your heart beating fasting, releasing more oxygen to the brain at a faster rate. You will feel more at ease and think clearly with a release of endorphins – The feel good hormones.

Protect your skin

Cold temperature is trouble for our skin because of the dry air it produces. Keep hydrated inside and out. Drink plenty of water, rub on moisturizing cream after washing and apply lip balm, before and after a workout.

Wear well-fitted clothes

This is not to show off your physique. Tight fitted clothing increases circulation throughout the body, which helps you perform better and recover quicker. The compression of tight fitted clothing helps resist fatigue and aids muscle coordination, it gives support to the muscles, connective tissue and joints. During colder temperatures when soft tissue takes extra time to warm up, the tight fitted gear will help to insulate and keep the body warm.

Don’t overdress

Excising will warm you up, so there’s really no need to be too cozy when you leave the house. You’ll be feeling hot, sweaty and exhausted within the first ten minutes of your workout. When you’re heating up because of being overdressed, you’re putting yourself at risk for dehydration due to an excess perspiration. Avoid the mistake of putting on too many layers and not peeling them off in time as this will make a major difference in your training intensity. Don’t wait until you’re profusely sweating and then decide to remove a layer of clothing. Runners will need fewer layers of clothing than walkers, as they move faster and produce more body heat. Remove a layer and tie it around your waist. When you’re feeling chilly again you can put it back on.

Dress in bright colours

Misty, dark weather will make you less visible to oncoming traffic and pedestrians from seeing you. Whether you’re running along the side of the road or you’re out skiing, you need to be aware of the poor visibility the rain or snow brings. In this case, wearing black or grey is not an option. Dress in bright colours or wear reflective gear that will keep you from being run over.