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Winter is an awesome time to lose weight! By just standing
outside, your body must work extra hard to maintain its normal
body temperature. The cold raises the body's basal metabolic rate
(BMR) or
the work the body does to make the heart beat, breathe and maintain its
temperature.
The secret to winter fitness is that while your body is covered in
cozy,
oversized sweaters on the outside, on the inside you are burning
calories
like crazy to stay warm. Winter is when you will make great strides in
your health.
If you enjoy exercising outdoors, you absolutely should continue to do
so.
But you must plan and prepare in order to stay active and healthy all
winter.
Here are some recommendations for a great body this winter:
1. Stay Hydrated. Even though it's cold and you may not "break a
sweat,"
schedule frequent water breaks. The drier cold air in winter is
responsible
for an increased water loss through breathing. Unless you drink more
water,
you will become dehydrated.
2. Slather on Sunscreen. Wait is this an article about summer?
Although we
associate drinking water and applying sunscreen as a summer must, we
must
also remember this during winter. Reflected ultraviolet rays combined
with
harsh, dry wind burn the sensitive face.
3. Put off shaving (for men only). Wait until after you exercise to
shave,
since hair and skin oils provide natural protection for the chin and
neck.
4. Moisturize daily. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after you shower.
Moisture will be sandwiched into your skin providing you with a
protective
barrier from the cold, dry air.
5. 5-minute showers. Limit baths and showers to five minutes using
tepid
water. Wash with a non-deodorant, moisturizing soap.
6. Dress as if it is the previous month. By dressing for November in
December, you insure you are dressed appropriately. You want to wear
as
little as possible so you exercise in comfort. When you first venture
out,
it may feel a bit chilly. Once you get moving, you will be warm and
toasty.
7. 3 Layers. Unfortunately, this does not refer to a devil food's
cake, but
rather a way of dressing that will keep you warm. Instead of wearing
one or
two pieces of bulky clothing, try three thin layers. Next to your
skin, wear
a material to wick moisture away such as polypropylene or polyester
that work
better than natural fibers like wool or cotton which get damp with
sweat. The
middle layer provides the primary insulation-- good choices include a
sweatshirt or comfortable sweater. A light outer layer will provide
shelter
from the windy and rainy elements.
8. Fleece on your head. Windblock fleece is an excellent material for
hats
and headbands, because it allows moisture to evaporate while keeping
the wind
away. Finish your outer gear with a hat, mittens and eye protection.
They
can easily be stashed in a pocket when no longer needed.
9. Stretch indoors. Whenever feasible, warm-up inside with 5-10
minutes of
cardio and stretching to exercise safely with to lower your incidence
of
injury, such as muscle strains.
10. There are no "shoulds" in the planet. Remember that it's your
life. If
it is too awful to go outside, don't make it another "should". There's
plenty to do inside. It's your life. Have fun!
About the Author:
Helene Haber is a Holistic Life Coach. She works with her clients
using
holistic empowerment techniques. Ms. Haber offers complimentary health
histories and may be reached at TopCatHelene@aol.com.
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