The body accustomed to physical exercise requires it regularly and regardless of condition. Exercise with care.

Running in winter is also about taking a chance! The cold season presents several disadvantages for sports activities. Exposure to frost, suffocation by layers of clothing, or the cold air that could hit are unpleasant conditions to experience. But if it is not recommended to run in winter, should we really abstain from this sport activity during the cold season, or is it possible to take precautions?

Is it possible to run in winter?

In the winter months, we usually don't leave the house without good reason. Suicidal peril or winning bet? This would be a new experience; discovering nature from another angle. However, running in winter is not an impromptu phenomenon. It is necessary to take acute precautions, it therefore becomes much more enjoyable.  

Running in winter: what are the risks

The fact of running in the cold has several disadvantages, but die-hard joggers don't let this tame them. For the record, it's important to understand the dangers of this winter exploit to a person's health.  

The risks of hypothermia

It should be understood that the body keeps the temperature of 37 ° C and this is regardless of the circumstance. With the cold, it makes a huge effort to maintain it. The body working harder causes the heart to beat faster. As a result, we risk unnecessary energy loss.

This heart rate results in reduced blood flow in the body. Otherwise, the antibodies would not be able to work properly. The person becomes fragile and is exposed to all kinds of illnesses; fatigue, stomach aches and even fever.  

It is also important to remember that during the winter months, bones are vulnerable. The slightest bump in the road increases the risk of a bill. Thus, the icy floor would lead to falls.

In addition, muscular contractions are on the cards in cold weather. If the body is not sufficiently warmed up, the runner is exposed to the risk of tearing.

Running in winter: beware of dehydration!

In the cold, we tend not to drink. In fact, we are less thirsty. That's what it feels like, but the body needs water even if you don't feel like it. Therefore, one is at risk ofdehydration.

With that, the desiccation problem could subsequently lead to an increase in blood pressure and thus cardiac complications could occur.

During the winter, the body sweats normally. After a physical exercise, we tend to remove layers of clothing. Yet, the chill comes on very quickly and this could lead to illnesses like fever, cold or cough.

The cold can cause physical discomfort and fatigue. Indeed, the body is much more reactive in winter, the physical efforts are then much higher.  

Running in winter: precautions to take

These various risks are not reasons to not exercise during the winter. Playing sports in winter is not at all contraindicated. What you need to do is to prevent diseases and take precautions in order to practice properly.

Running in winter with the necessary equipment

To run in the cold, it is essential to be careful at the temperature winter. Below -5° C, it starts to be critical for the body. Even if you acquire heat during exercise, you should definitely not neglect wearing the adequate cold weather gear.

The three-layer formula on top is essential in winter. If possible, it is recommended to wear technical clothing such as a T-shirt for athletics, an intermediate garment and finally, an outfit capable of blocking air.

Protection should also be a priority. Some parts of the body should be particularly covered such as the forehead, neck, ears, hands and feet. They are extremely sensitive to cold.

Under the pants, put on tights and socks, as the lower limbs are very delicate in the face of winter temperatures.

Running in winter: the techniques put forward

First of all, running in winter requires some caution. The warm-up should be emphasized especially on the muscles of the lower limbs. More work will also be done on the joints, including the neck, shoulders, hips and ankles.

For your daily footing, prioritize walking first, then endurance. Speed is not recommended except for experienced athletes.

The face should be totally protected. It is even advisable to wear a balaclava and sports glasses.

Exercise should be reduced in winter. Do not compete at your usual endurance. When it's cold, you have to admit that you become less efficient.

Without forgetting tohydrate regularly during exercise and even more than usual. Although your body does not require it, your body needs it.

Finally, for those who can't stand the cold at all, practice running on a treadmill in the gym or at home, an alternative so you don't skip daily exercise.