When the weather starts to take a dip, most of us would rather work inside, find an affordable gym nearby, or skip working out. But did you know there are actually benefits of walking in cold weather? That’s right.
Instead of skipping your next workout, it might be better for you to put on your coat and brave the chill. Walking in cold weather might sound horrible, but you’ll be able to reap the benefits of a brisk walk. Keep reading to learn about the amazing benefits of walking in the cold.
7. Sleep Better
This can be argued year-round, but it’s still important to note. Especially with many of us being affected by Daylight Savings, it’s vital that we all get the proper amount of sleep.
If you feel yourself tossing and turning, feeling groggy when you wake up, or even irritable, it might be time to take a walk in the cold. The combination of sunlight exposure during the day, fresh air, and physical activity helps wind you down so you can sleep more deeply at night.
6. Improve Your Endurance
One of the best benefits of walking in cold weather is how much more you can go. The heat usually zaps us quickly, and we easily become more exhausted since it increases sweating and heart rate.
When exercising in the cold though, you’ll most likely end up working out for longer, which in turn builds endurance and stamina. Interestingly enough, the ideal workout to reach your max endurance? Around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
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5. Reduce Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is something many of us deal with. And during the colder months, when we deal with less daylight than during the warmer seasons, it’s rough. But you can combat those effects by taking walks. One of the best benefits of walking in cold weather is to boost your overall mood.
Walking in the sunlight, even if it’s during a sunrise or sunset, has a positive impact on your mood as it releases “feel good” chemicals, including serotonin and endorphins. Plus, it’s well-researched that exercise is a great way to combat depression.
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4. Support Heart Health
While some of the other points might have been commonly known, did you know that one of the best benefits of walking in cold weather has to do with your heart?
While all sorts of exercise benefits your cardiovascular system and promotes insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar management, taking brisk walks in the cold is linked to lowering the risk for common health problems. These problems include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood glucose levels.
Also Read: Tips for Maintaining Your Physical Health in the Winter
3. Rejuvenate Skin
Along with your heart and mental health, you can also improve your skin health when walking in the cold. Colder temperatures slow circulation, reducing skin radiance, but when you exercise, like walking, it delivers more oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, enhancing overall skin vitality and brightness.
Moderately cold temperatures can do wonders for the skin because they constrain blood vessels in the skin, which can help tighten your cuticles and pores.
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2. Boost Your Brain Function
How many times do you wake up in the winter feeling groggy and plain out of it? What if you can switch it around and feel more aware even with the snow and dreary weather?
Research has found that colder temperatures can actually boost brain function, helping people think more clearly. This is one of the many benefits of walking in cold weather, as you can start your morning with a quick walk before work, and you can feel more productive and aware.
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1. Burn More Calories
One of the best benefits of walking in cold weather actually has to do with your overall calories burned. Did you know that you burn more calories in colder weather than in warmer weather? This is why it’s so hard to work in the cold, as your body needs to work harder to perform in chilly climates.
This requires an extra generation of heat to keep your muscles, organs, and limbs warm. And to do this, you end up burning more calories. This means that even when you take a walk, you can end up burning a good deal of calories, and in turn, help shed a few pounds or stay fit while you wait for the weather to warm up for the harder activities like running.