Runningcan help you stay active, boost your mood,and give you time to enjoy the outdoors.
But some weather conditions can impact not only your running performance but also your health.
Wearing the right gear for winter running can make a difference.
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Running in certain levels of cooler weather may actually improve your run.
Exercising in the cold may also increase your metabolism.
More research is needed to better determine how cold-weather running impacts metabolism.
Cold vs.
Warm Weather Runs
One of the great things about running is that it can be a year-round sport.
Studies on the effects of cold weather on aerobic exercise, though, are mixed.
Some show decreased aerobic performance, while others show increased performance.
Running in extreme cold can also lead to cold-related injuries.
As wind speed increases and temperature decreases, the time to potential frostbite gets shorter.
Choose insulating clothing that wicks away moisture and sweat.
Dress warm, wear layers, and listen to your body.
Dress warm and wear layers to help your muscles and body stay warm during runs in the cold.
Be aware of when extreme cold temperatures and wind chill are signs that taking your run indoors is best.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.The truth behind ‘runner’s high’ and other mental benefits of running.
2022;13:917084. doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.917084
American College of Sports Medicine.Exercising in hot and cold environments.
American College of Sports Medicine.Exercising caution: the dangers of cold temperatures.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Fudge J.Exercise in the cold: preventing and managing hypothermia and frostbite injury.Sports Health.
