Running in cold weather can be challenging. The temperature drops and the wind picks up, making starting to run a challenge. But did you know that running in cold weather has health benefits.
Cold weather can affect the body differently depending on whether or not we wear the right clothing. If we run outside without proper gear, we might experience and feel chills, shivers, and even hypothermia.
Running in cold weather can improve our cardiovascular system, boost our metabolism, and increase our endurance. These are some of the reasons why you should consider running in cold weather.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF RUNNING IN COLD WEATHER
1. The Ideal Weather
Running in cold weather is great for our health. The reason is simple, when it’s cold outside, we tend to stay inside where it’s warm. We’re not out running in the cold, so our bodies aren’t exposed to these conditions.
When we run indoor on treadmill, we sweat and lose heat through our skin. This means our body temperature drops, which makes us feel warmer and more comfortable.
This is especially true during the winter months when we spend most of our time indoors. So, if you live somewhere cold, consider running outdoors during the winter months.
If you live somewhere hot year round, running outdoors can cause overheating. Instead, try running in the morning or evening when temperatures are a bit cooler.
2. Promotes Healthy Heart
Running in cold weather is great for our heart. Research shows that running in cold temperatures increases blood flow to the heart, which helps keep it healthy.
3. Burns Calories
Running in cold weather burns calories faster than running in warm weather. This is because when we run in cold temperatures, our body uses energy to keep itself warm. So, when we’re running in cold weather, we use more energy than when we’re running in warmer temperatures.
This means that running in colder conditions burns more calories than running in warmer conditions.
But there’s another benefit of running in cold weather. Our muscles work harder to keep us warm, so we burn more fat during exercise.
That’s why running in cold weather helps us lose weight, or stay slim.
4. Boosts Metabolism
When we run in cold weather, our body works harder to generate warmth. As a result, our metabolism speeds up.
Our metabolism is our body’s rate at which it breaks down food into usable energy. When we run in cold temperatures (or any other form of physical activity), our body generates more energy than usual.
Running in cold weather, our metabolism will speed up. We will have more energy throughout the day, and this will help us maintain a healthier diet.
5. Improves Endurance
Running in cold weather improves our endurance. It does this by increasing our body temperature.
As your body heats up, it releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones, which make us stronger. Adrenaline gives us an extra burst of energy, while cortisol boosts our immune system.
We will also be able to hold onto more oxygen as our lungs fill with air. That means we won’t need to breathe as often.
These benefits mean that running in cold weather can actually improve our performance.
6. Increases Blood Flow
One way that running in cold weather affects our body is by improving circulation.
As we run, our feet pump blood through our legs and back to our heart. But when we run in cold weather (especially in the wintertime), our body pumps less blood through our veins.
So, our blood doesn’t circulate as well. This means our blood pressure stays lower, and we don’t get tired as quickly.
This causes our blood vessels to constrict, which reduces their ability to carry blood. As a result, we may experience numbness or tingling in our hands and feet.
To prevent these symptoms from occurring, we can wear gloves and good socks to stay warm.
7. Protects Against Illnesses
Another reason running in cold weather is beneficial is that it protects against illnesses.
When we run in colder temperatures, our body produces more white blood cells, which fights off infections.
In addition, our body releases chemicals called cytokines, which reduce inflammation. Inflammation is linked to many diseases, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
8. Reduces Risk Of Injury
Running in cold weather reduces the risk of injury. Our joints are better protected from extreme heat.
The increased circulation that occurs when we run in cold conditions keeps our skin moist, preventing chilblains and frostbite.
Also, our body has more energy available to protect our joints.
9. Makes You More Comfortable
Finally, running in cold weather makes us feel more comfortable.
Because our body is warmed up, we won’t overheat. And if we do start feeling hot, we will be able to cool ourself down by drinking plenty of fluids.
Running in cold weather also helps us stay motivated. Because we’re working harder, we will want to keep running and exercising.
Cold weather also makes us feel warmer than normal, which keeps our core temperature down. And finally, running in cold weather can improve our mood, because it increases serotonin levels in our brain.
And another good recommendation during cold weather is to hit the trails sometimes, we will feel better.
Run In The Cold Weather, Feel Better, Healthier, Easier to Run At a Faster Pace, And Less Muscle Soreness, Enjoy Every Cold Outdoor Run And Exercises!