Physical activity and winter

Maintaining your physical activity during the winter months can be challenging.

More so if you live in areas where the amount of daylight decreases and weather conditions are not conducive to outdoor activities.

If you usually enjoy outdoor physical activities then fewer hours of daylight can seriously limit your options for pre or post work scheduling.

Walking, running or cycling activities may not be as pleasant in the dark as in daylight for a number of reasons.

Many urban, suburban and rural areas do not have adequate street lighting and sidewalks are often ill-repaired which increases your risk of falling.

Heavy rain, snow and cold temperatures, which lead to poor visibility and icy conditions on roads and sidewalks, can also increase your risk of injury and make physical activity less appealing.

If you live in an area where winter temperatures consistently drop below zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees F) your workout will be more physically demanding.

The effects of extreme cold on your body can increase your risk of heart attack, frostbite and hypothermia.

Even if you are prepared to face the wintery conditions you may not feel safe walking, running or cycling around dark and damp neighbourhoods.

There is increasing evidence that being regularly active throughout your lifespan decreases your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Adequate physical activity and exercise spread throughout the week, month and year are a prescription for health.

In addition, physical activity can enhance your mood, a significant advantage during the grey days of winter, and can benefit your health in many other ways.

Whatever your reasons for being physically active with a little bit of preparation and organization you can be physically active throughout the winter months.

This is not necessarily a negative as a change in physical activity or exercise routine can benefit your fitness and health: a change is as good as a rest...link to the full article to learn more.