Fall is here and so is Turkey Trot season! November means the cooler weather is coming and it’s important to make sure you are dressed appropriately for outdoor exercise. Whether you are running, walking, biking, or hiking, staying warm is important to keep yourself healthy. The temperature may only feel cool now, but there is potential for it to be cold for that Turkey Trot race. Now is the time to make sure you have appropriate attire for when those chilly days arrive. Use these tips to help yourself stay warm and dry this winter!
- Warm-up before you start your walk/run. Perform a dynamic warm-up before starting exercise. Not only will this increase your body temperature This will help keep your body comfortable before starting your workout.
- Dress like it is a little warmer than it actually is. You may be cold before you get started, but once you start moving, your body’s temperature will rise. This will help you stay comfortable during exercise.
- Layers. You can always take something off if you get too warm. Start at the bottom- make sure your base layer is moisture wicking material. Add a long sleeve, hoodie, or vest to keep your core warm.
- Moisture-wicking clothes, often called “Dri Fit,” these are your best bet. They pull the sweat away from your skin to help you stay comfortable. This is important as you stop exercise, too, because that soaked cotton t-shirt will quickly become a cold, wet shirt.
- Don’t forget your extremities! A hat to keep in the heat. Gloves for your fingers. Sunglasses to block the wind. If you become too warm, take them off. But is better to have warm hands than frozen fingers.
By Louise Mills-Strasser
