Winter Weather Workouts

So you don't like grinding out miles on the treadmill or power walking the malls, but you're not too keen on exercising outdoors during cold weather either. Unfortunately, cold weather can discourage even the most motivated exercisers. And if you're not so motivated, it's all too easy to pack away your workout gear along with your warm-weather clothing.

You don't have to let cold weather spell the end of your exercise. With these tips for exercising during cold weather, you can stay fit, motivated and warm when the weather turns chilly.

Warm up before you work out

The key to comfortable cold-weather workouts is to stay warm. A good rule is to warm up your internal core temperature before you ever venture outside – which means doing your warm up indoors before you walk out the door.

Layer your clothing

The next crucial piece of the puzzle is to make sure you're dressed properly. Layering works wonders, because you can peel off clothing if necessary as you go through your exercise routine. A jacket easily ties around your waist and you can remove a hat or gloves if you get too toasty, then put them back on as you cool down at the end of your workout. Include three layers in your outdoor fitness wear. The base layer should include a tight fitting, wicking material to keep you warm and dry. The middle layer provides insulation while carrying moisture to the outer layer. The outer layer blocks wind and elements while allowing moisture to escape.  

It's important to care for these garments appropriately to ensure their features remain. For maintaining the life of your clothing, follow the care instructions on the item. Synthetic, technical fabrics need to be cleaned properly in order to wick, insulate and repel water.

Choose the right outdoor fitness attire 

When it comes to choosing the right clothing for your fall and winter outdoor activities, manufacturers have taken the guess work out of it with fabrics that insulate and breathe. Below are the items featured in the photo. They are just some of what’s new and notable in cold weather fitness attire. Get it and get moving.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Winter Weather Workout Wear available at Swim Bike Run:

Shown on Jay Orr, Swim Bike Run Shoe and Customer Service Specialist:

On top...

Shirt: I/O Merino Men’s Midweight 3/4 Tight Long Underwear. I/O Merino has innovative and advanced wool processing and spinning technologies. You get a natural fiber garment that can create its own microclimate, has the ability to manage moisture with exceptional breathability, resists odor, insulates when wet, has no itch and is incredibly soft due to a patented ‘Low Torque’ spinning technology.  Inside or Outside – You Decide!

Jacket: Zoot Ultra Xotherm Run Jacket 
This ultra lightweight windproof and water-resistant jacket is designed to provide protection from the elements and unparalleled stretch and breathability for those long winter runs.  Hand warmer pockets and a vented back make Zoot's Ultra XOTHERM jacket super comfy...reflective detailing offers super safety.

On bottom...

The Solano Tights regulate body temperature, block wind, and repel water. HeatMaxx fabric pulls moisture from the skin and retains warmth. Light WindDry protects from the wind.  

On Doug Havlin, Swim Bike Run's CompuTrainer, cycling and Customer Service Specialist:

On Top...

Shirt: You won't find many running shirts that look as good as they perform. The Run Ace Zip Long Sleeve Running Shirt is the exception - it's full of cool features to improve your running, yet looks amazing. Icebreaker merino is highly breathable, and the Ace ramps up the breathability with eyelet panels for venting - which means you stay cool and dry, with no overheating or clamminess. There's a handy stash pocket, reflective piping for visibility, and a cord management system for listening to music. GT Run is a premium range of technical garments designed specifically for runners. Icebreaker merino breathes, controls temperature and protects runners from the sun's harmful rays. Icebreaker uses the finest pure merino wool of the mountain sheeps living in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and structurally enhances it with Lycra®. Icebreaker merino wool is naturally anti-microbial to keep you odor free and it breathes and insulates brilliantly to regulate your temperature. 

Jacket: Northface Performance Jacket is designed with a windproof, breathable soft shell fabric at body that's treated with DWR (durable water repellent) finish, with stretch elastane knit at sides for unrestricted movement and comfortable strides. Shaped collar eliminates abrasion from zipper at chin. Reflective tape all-over for visibility hits.

Athlete Tested. Competition Proven. Built to keep you running in any weather, on any terrain. No excuses.

On Bottom...

The Zoot Men's Performance Thermo Run Tights do two things well. Keep you warm and free to move naturally when running. Zoot's amazing Thermo fabric is engineered for a bit of compression, plenty of warmth and excellent moisture transfer to keep you dry and warm. Hip holster pockets give you a place for small items like ID, key or gel (if you're running longer than an hour this off season, good for you!). On that note, the Zoot Men's Thermo Run Tights are made for cold temperature running and cross training, not just for mild temperatures.

So why not pile up the miles and enjoy some long slow days this winter!