Whether you are a fitness lover, or would rather stay in bed, staying active during the winter months is an important part of boosting your health. Staying active directly impacts your health and is an important habit to keep up, even during the colder winter months. Learn about whether it is dangerous to exercise in the cold and tips and tricks for staying active this fall and winter.
Can the Cold Make You Sick?
During the fall and winter months, illnesses tend to spread more easily. However, the cold itself will not directly cause you to get sick. Many fall illnesses, including the common cold, are caused by viral infections that have to be spread through direct contact with an infected individual. Exposure to the cold can weaken your immune system, especially if you are not dressed properly for the weather. It can also expose you to the risk of frostbite or hypothermia, which is why it is important to dress appropriately if you are spending time outdoors.
Is it Dangerous to Exercise in the Cold?
During the colder winter months, it is more important to stay active than ever. Staying active has many different health benefits, such as boosting your immune system, which is critical during the winter cold and flu season. Although there are risks associated with exposure to the cold which were mentioned earlier, if you enjoy being active outdoors, you should not let the weather stop you. It is important, however, to be aware of the risks present when exercising outdoors in cold weather.
Falls: The accumulation of ice and snow can make for slippery conditions. Dew on grass that freezes and black ice can both go undetected and cause falls. Ensure that you are exercising on surfaces that are well-maintained to avoid potential slips.
Lung Irritation: When outdoors in the cold, breathing in cold air can cause lung irritation. If you have underlying health conditions such as asthma, you should use caution or avoid high-intensity exercises when it is cold out.
Frostbite & Hypothermia: Long-term exposure to the cold can cause hypothermia or lead to frostbite in your extremities. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately when you plan to be outdoors for long periods of time.
Tips for Staying Active This Fall
If you’re looking for ways to increase your activity level in the colder months, but don’t want to brave the cold, there are plenty of alternative ways to stay active indoors. Staying active does not have to include hours of high-intensity exercise. Here are some ideas for ways that you can stay active during the cooler months.
Yoga: Yoga is a great way to get your body moving without the stress on your joints that other forms of exercise may cause. If you’re busy, yoga does not get you super sweaty and often leaves you feeling recharged and relaxed - perfect for your lunch break or early in the morning before work.
Online Workout Classes: With today's technology, finding free online workout classes is easy. Whether you’re looking for yoga, pilates, bodyweight workouts, HIIT workouts, or something else, you can find free online resources on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Utilize Indoor Spaces: If you’re looking for an excuse to move your feet, heading to places like your local mall will provide plenty of indoor space for you to move around.
Get Competitive: Hold yourself accountable by getting your friends and family involved. Create movement challenges to help motivate each other to stay active this winter.
Get Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Linden
Staying active during the winter months is important for your overall health and well-being. However, there are some risks associated with spending time outdoors when it is cold outside. At AFC Urgent Care Linden, our board-certified medical providers offer both urgent care services for immediate injuries and illnesses as well as preventative healthcare such as physicals. Simply walk into our clinic to get the care that you need.
At AFC Urgent Care Linden, we believe in providing accessible healthcare. That is why our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans and offers low-cost care options. Simply walk into our clinic, or schedule an appointment online. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden illness or injury or are looking for preventative healthcare, we can help. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly.
