Winter Fitness - How to Adapt to the Elements

Don't let the cold weather dampen your fitness program.  Here are simple tips to keep you on-track all winter long.
 
Here at OutdoorFitness.com we have a saying - "There's no such thing as inappropriate weather, only inappropriate clothing." That's to say, if you dress right for the conditions, you should be just fine. Since 1995, I've only had to cancel classes twice due to weather - once due to high winds (and flying branches) and the other due to lightning.
 
Here are a few tips I wrote for the Athleta Chi Blog - designed to keep you warm and moving!

THE BASICS OF COLD WEATHER FABRICS

For cold weather, you want to go technical all the way.  “Technical” basically means synthetic fabrics and clothing designed so that it can easily adjust to your body’s temperature.  Cold weather clothing can be classified according to function and layering categories:

• Base layer is the first layer next to skin. Choose a lightweight technical fabric that breathes, wicks away perspiration, keeps your body insulated and allows freedom of movement.

• Middle layer will absorb moisture, and provide insulation. Depending on the temperature, choose pants or leggings for the lower half and on top, choose a long-sleeved, zip neck jersey. Or if it’s really chilly, choose a non-pilling fleece fabric for this layer, like Athleta’s Tech Stretch or Sierra Thermal™.

• Outer layer or shell layer will protect from the elements. You’ll want a quality garment for protection from wind, rain and snow, so go technical all the way. Whether the weather warrants a lightweight waterproof shell or blizzard proof shell, select garments that have been seam sealed, and allow body heat to evaporate while shielding your skin from the elements.