Everyone knows running is a great way to keep your body in good shape. But in the coldest season of the year when the temperatures drop and the weather conditions get worse, a lot of people give up running just because it’s getting frosty outdoors. Well, that’s not really an argument! Winter running, in some way, even is more useful than summer one. Running in the cold has unique features, and more importantly, a lot of benefits you need to know if you`re going to maintain your best shape all year.
Winter Running Helps You Burn More Calories
Running in winter means that you’ll have to run in less than ideal weather and road conditions as the trails can be slippery or snow-covered. Therefore, when you run, your body will need to work much harder than it usually would to keep your body warm and regulate its core temperature among elements, raising your metabolism, and as a result, you`ll burn a few more calories.
By the way, according to the evolutionary theory, your body is programmed to preserve your fat stores in winter, slowing down your metabolic processes. Winter running helps you prevent this seasonal downturn and maintain a healthy weight.
Winter Running Strengthens The Heart Activities
Cold weather is an excellent impetus for your heart. The heart specialists advise people with heart diseases to draw attention to running in the cold as climatic conditions during the winter make your heart work a bit harder to pump blood throughout the body. Regularly running outside in the winter also makes your heart muscle stronger and prepares your heart as well as body for more strenuous workouts in the future.
Winter Running Enhances Your Immune System
One common question about winter running is, is it safe to run in the cold? Of course, exercising outdoors is safe for you and very helpful for your immune system during the cold season. When you run outside, you`ll get the boost of Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and a proper working of your immune system.
Winter Running Makes Your Muscles Stronger
Cold weather workout helps you not only strengthen your heart muscle, but also make the muscles of the whole body stronger. Due to weather conditions, your muscles will need to adapt to uneven and slick road and so become stronger, more resilient and more responsive. Thus, when you run in the cold, you`ll build up your muscles without having to put in a greater effort. Just don`t forget to dress appropriately and wear good shoes for CrossFit training for winter. Use the best CrossFit shoes guide for buying the right winter running shoes.
Winter Running Makes Your Feel Happier And More Energized
When the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, a lot of people suffer from seasonal depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Running in the cold is a perfect way to avoid problems with your mood because cold weather exercise has a wonderful ability to elevate the mood. Winter running helps release powerful hormones that combat the seasonal depression – when your body works harder during the workout in the cold, the amount of producing endorphins will also increase, boosting positive attitude to the world around and leaving you with a stronger sense of happiness.
