Exercise Caution During Winter Workouts

What is it about the cold weather that seems to pack on the pounds?

Snow, ice and those early sunsets can zap anyone’s energy, causing people to be more interested in hibernating than being physically active. Plus, this time of the year people lean more heavily on comfort foods that may be high in calories. The one-two punch of indulgence and being sedentary can wreak havoc on waistlines and general well being.

It is important to maintain a steady supply of exercise to balance out the excess of the season. But remember that as you exercise your body, you should also exercise caution when being physically active this time of year. If you’re not careful, problems such as frostbite, hypothermia and overexertion can arise.

Fortunately, CW-X www.CW-X.com">www.CW-X.com">www.CW-X.com), leading provider of specialized workout wear, offers a number of cautionary measures you can take to ensure your winter workouts go off without a hitch.



START SLOWLY

If you’re like most, your exercise routine takes a hiatus each time a holiday pops up or a blizzard blankets the area. That means you’re not exercising consistently and efficiently. Even a short break in an exercise program can throw your body off-kilter and make it more susceptible to strain or injury. As you regain your fitness gumption, start gradually. This will put less strain on your heart, muscles and joints, and help ensure you’ll stick with the program rather than being sidelined by injury.

To further protect against injury, consider wearing supportive workout apparel. CW-X patented Conditioning Web ™ is featured in many of the company’s workout tights. The web ensures muscles and ligaments are held together, stabilizing the knee joint. Your body enjoys maximum protection against ligament and joint strain. This technology can prove invaluable to those in good health and others who might be nursing a previous injury, such as sore knees.

Women need extra support in the way of a sports bra when engaging in physical activity. A CW-X Xtra Support Bra features a stretch mesh internal venting channel under the bustline for breathability and moisture evaporation, which can also prevent less sweat build-up in the cold winter months.



WATCH ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Cold weather, wind and snow can be oppressive elements to face. If you are venturing outside for physical activity, it’s important to be smart about safety. Be cautious in the cold, especially at temperatures below 30 F.

Frostbite and hypothermia are not reserved for mountain climbers or Alpine skiers. These are very real occurrences, which can affect anyone — even you. The telltale sign of frostbite is a patch of skin that’s turning hard, pale and cold. Plus, one of the eeriest signs of frostbite is no longer being able to feel the cold at all. Frostbite is no joke, leading to shock and loss of fingers or toes. But frostbite is only one arsenal in winter’s stockpile.

The best way to prevent weather-related injuries is to dress the part when venturing outdoors. This still involves insulating despite the false sense of warmth you may feel from engaging in exercise. Wear a hat and gloves to protect the extremities. Many companies also sell wicking socks that will help keep feet dry and warm. Additionally, Insulator Expert Tights and Insulator Pro Zip-T from CW-X® Conditioning Wear can help athletes maintain core body temperature in colder conditions. Featuring Auto-Sensor® nanotechnology fabric, Insulator products allow for both maximum performance and protection from potentially harsh winter conditions. Temperature regulation allows the fabric to maintain a constant comfortable surface temperature, keeping you warm in spite of harsh external conditions. Remember not to push too hard in your workout since the body is already working hard to maintain a comfortable core temperature.

Other helpful tips include keeping an eye on the weather forecast. It isn’t smart to exercise in inclement weather where you can slip or fall on slippery surfaces. Plus, drivers may have impaired or obstructed vision during a snowstorm, making sharing roads hazardous. When in doubt, stay in and fire up the treadmill instead.