Winter Warmers! How wrapping up can help your winter workouts
Winter brings crisp air and frosty mornings and it can be harder getting out the duvet. Staying active during the colder months has plenty of benefits, from keeping holiday stress in check to maintaining your hard-earned gains. However, winter workouts require a strategic approach to what you wear to ensure you’re not only comfortable but also safe and ready to perform at your best. Here’s how to dress effectively and why keeping your muscles warm is key when you're working out in the winter.
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Muscles Warm
When temperatures drop, your muscles need extra care. Cold weather can cause muscles to tighten, decreasing flexibility and increasing the risk of injuries such as strains or sprains. By keeping your body warm, you ensure better blood flow to the muscles, enhancing mobility, and reducing stiffness. This makes it easier for your body to move fluidly and react quickly, whether you’re doing high-intensity cardio or strength training.
The Power of Layering
Layering is the secret weapon of any winter workout wardrobe. When done right, layering not only traps warmth but also allows you to shed clothing as your body heats up during exercise. Here's how to master layering for the winter season:
Base Layer
Start with a base layer made from moisture-wicking materials. This layer helps pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and warm. A snug, long-sleeve tee or thermal shirt can be perfect for this layer.Mid Layer
This space is for your favourite workout tshirt! It can be cropped, fitted, full length what ever works best for you. This is a layer that can be easily removed. Or if you’ve warmed up on your way to the gym even swapped out with the base layer. Wanna find your new fave gym tee? Shop our merch here!Outer Layer
The layer acts as an insulating buffer to retain body heat. Consider wearing a warm hoodie, fleece, or sweatshirt. For added versatility zip-up hoodies can work well since they’re easy to remove as you warm up without having to pause your workout for long.Weather Layer
If you’re braving the elements, finish with a lightweight, breathable jacket to protect against wind, rain, or snow. This layer should ideally be water-resistant or windproof to block out the chill without causing you to overheat.
Wear Warm Hoodies and Easy-to-Remove Layers
Starting your workout in a warm hoodie or thick sweatshirt helps trap heat around your body. Hoodies also offer extra coverage for your head and neck if you’re warming up outdoors. As your workout progresses and your core temperature rises, you can easily shed layers like hoodies or crop tops to cool down slightly while still staying warm with your base layers underneath. This flexibility ensures that you maintain an optimal temperature throughout the workout.
Pair Joggers with Leggings or Shorts
For your lower body, layering joggers over leggings or shorts can provide a significant boost in warmth. Joggers offer a loose-fitting outer layer to trap heat, while leggings ensure that your muscles remain warm and flexible, ready for movement. If the temperatures are extremely low, wearing joggers over a thicker pair of thermal leggings creates a dual-insulation effect, keeping the chill out. Plus, joggers can be quickly adjusted or removed if you’re doing indoor sessions after an outdoor warm-up. If joggers add too much bulk look at long socks over leggings also!
Warm-Up Wisely
If you workout with us at SLAM you’ll know our infamous warm up and how important it is. Always spend a few minutes on dynamic stretches and a gentle warm-up to prepare your muscles for exertion, regardless of how many layers you’re wearing. This will help increase blood flow, loosen up stiff muscles, and reduce injury risk. Think about incorporating bodyweight exercises, brisk walks, or light jogging before getting into more intensive workouts.
Key Winter Workout Clothing Tips
Don’t Forget Your Hands, Feet, and Head
Up to 30% of body heat can be lost through your extremities. Wear gloves, thick socks, and a hat or headband to ensure no heat escapes during your warm-up.Breathability is Key
Opt for materials that provide warmth without weighing you down. Moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics are crucial for managing sweat while preventing you from getting too cold.Listen to Your Body
As you work out, your body's need for heat changes. Don’t hesitate to peel off or add layers as necessary to maintain comfort and safety.
Conclusion
Dressing for winter workouts isn’t just about throwing on any warm clothes — it’s about strategic layering to ensure optimal warmth, comfort, and performance. Start with moisture-wicking base layers, add an insulating middle layer, and top it off with a protective outer layer if needed. Mix and match with warm hoodies, crop tops, and joggers over leggings or shorts to stay flexible and adaptable. Keep your muscles warm to reduce the risk of injury and enjoy winter workouts to the fullest! Stay warm, stay moving, and let those endorphins do their magic.