As you finish off the last of the Halloween candy, there’s an undeniable chill in the air. Santa and Mariah Carey are readying their reindeer, and the smell of pumpkin spice lingers in every coffee shop in the Northern Hemisphere. This can only mean one thing: winter is coming.
Working out in winter requires a little bit of extra prep, especially if you live somewhere with heavy rains or snowfall. Lower temperatures mean that you need to be strategic in your layering, and because it stays darker for longer in winter, you need to make sure you’re extra visible if you’re working out outdoors. You’ll also need some extra hydration to help combat the colder, drier air.
We’ve got you. Below, you’ll find our winter workout essentials to help you stay safe and comfortable while you’re doing a GOFA workout.
Put your best foot forward
It’s important that you choose footwear that has been designed specifically for winter conditions. Your shoes need to have good traction, be able to repel water, and keep your feet warm and comfortable in the icy wind. Almost every major footwear brand has developed a shoe that is perfect for winter workouts.
We like these Adidas EQ21 Run Colds and these Nike Air Zooms.
Back to bas(e)ics
During winter, wearing an effective base layer (the layer that’s closest to your skin) is incredibly important. A good base layer will not only keep you warm, it will keep you dry too. Absorbent material like cotton tends to hold sweat, and as the temperature drops, so will your body heat.
Wicking fabrics are perfect for base layers as they draw moisture away from the body. This one from Lululemon works wonders, as do these Flurry blizzard rib tops by Athleta.
Layer up!
Once you’ve got your base layer sorted, you should add a shell layer to help protect you from the elements. It’s important that your shell is comfortable, as it still needs to provide you with a full range of motion. It also can’t be too warm because your body will be producing heat as you work out, and you don’t want to get uncomfortably hot. The ideal shell will leave you a little cold when your workout first begins and will gradually heat your body up as you get moving.
Patagonia and Under Armour both have great options on offer.
Where’s your head at?
Most of our body heat is stored in our core, which is where our blood flow is concentrated. This leaves our extremities vulnerable to cold temperatures. In order to regulate your body heat, it’s important to keep your head warm. Check out these headbands by Kari Traa and Nike.
Keeping your fingers warm too will go a long way in keeping you motivated and ready to tackle any workout through the chilly months. We recommend these Lululemon twist knit mittens. They’re available in a range of colors and will keep your fingers nice and toasty.
Warm-up those muscles
Don’t make the mistake of taking cold muscles out into cold weather. It will just make your workout that much harder and could even lead to injury. Before you brace the cold, make sure that you warm up your muscles with a few dynamic stretches and some muscular release.
We recommend investing in a foam roller like these ones from Gaiam or this collapsable one, aptly named The Morph.
Don’t forget about those UV rays
One of the biggest mistakes that most of us make in winter is forgetting that UV rays are just as harmful as they are during summer. Don’t skip your sunscreen when you’re working out outside, especially in snowy conditions. Snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation, so lather on a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Some of our favorite sunscreen brands are Raw Elements, Ren and Vichy.
GOFA can keep you warm with our wide range of workouts and running sessions. Download Now!
