Why You Should Keep Exercising in Winter
Winter often makes us want to curl up under a blanket and hibernate, but did you know that it's actually a great time to hit the gym or get moving outdoors? Here's why:
- Burn More Calories to Prevent Weight Gain
According to a study from the University of Aberdeen in the UK, low-temperature environments can enhance aerobic exercise performance. In winter, our bodies need to consume more calories to maintain body temperature. So, compared to summer, the same amount of exercise will burn more calories in winter. This means you can enjoy your favorite holiday treats without as much guilt, as long as you keep up with your fitness routine.
2. Strengthen Your Immune System
The cold environment stimulates the immune system, causing the body to produce more antibodies to deal with pathogens in the cold. Additionally, low temperatures can lead to blood vessel constriction, reducing the likelihood of pathogen spread within the body. Moreover, exercising in winter can strengthen muscles, improve heart and lung function, and increase flexibility, thereby comprehensively enhancing physical fitness. It's like giving your body an extra layer of protection against winter illnesses.
3. Better Warm-Up
Due to the lower temperatures in winter, our bodies tend to feel colder. Compared to summer, we are more conscious of the need to warm up. To get our stiff bodies moving, we tend to spend more time on warm-up and do a wider variety of warm-up exercises. However, remember not to overdo it during the warm-up phase. You don't need to sweat profusely; just get your whole body warm enough before starting the main exercise.
4. Improve Cold Resistance
Exercising in winter can activate the brown adipose tissue in our bodies. This is a special type of fat tissue whose main function is to generate heat to maintain a stable body temperature. Through exercise, the activity of brown adipose tissue increases, which can burn fat more effectively and release energy, improving the body's heat-producing ability. So, those who stick to exercising in winter will gradually become less sensitive to the cold. It's like upgrading your body's internal heating system!
5. Release Stress and Improve Mood
In winter, the lower temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and longer nights can affect the secretion of hormones in our bodies, such as serotonin, vitamin D, and melatonin. This makes it easy to experience mood changes and even seasonal depression. But here's the good news: exercising in winter can effectively help the body get rid of emotional "garbage". It releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can boost your mood and help you combat the winter blues.
Whether it's a brisk walk in the park, a yoga session at home, or a workout at the gym, don't let the cold weather stop you from staying active. Embrace the winter and keep your body and mind healthy!