Snow is on the ground. The weather has definitely let us know that winter is approaching by the very brisk morning temperatures. I have personally noticed that, over the years, my body doesn’t enjoy the mornings so much when it starts to get too cold out. I essentially wake up feeling like a relative of the tin man. This is a common issue for people. Colder temperatures usually translate to stiffer joints and tighter muscles.
In this part of the planet, colder weather also means less light, and it seems like gyms tend to be less frequented after or before work, because when the sun goes away, people become naturally more tired. People that go for a jog or long walk outside find less motivation, since it’s darker and may be more dangerous. Aside from that, when that sun sets, it is so much colder.
In the colder weather, instead of just strapping on some sneakers as you would in the spring or summer, you have to think about how to dress warm enough… but not too warm or else you’ll be leaving a trail of gloves, ear-muffs and sweatshirts on the sidewalk. These are all the dilemmas that one has to deal with when trying to work out in the winter. This is why people tend to slack off.
Lack of motivation usually results in people being more sedentary in the winter, which means tighter and stiffer muscles. Less movement results in joints that may feel less mobile. People that suffer from new and/or old injuries tend have more awareness of their problems in the winter months.
The key to combating the stiffness in the colder weather is to keep moving. Just because it gets darker out sooner, don’t stop going for walks or jogs. Don’t hibernate after or before work when you would normally go to the gym. Keep in mind that your body will be a bit stiffer, and that it may take some time to ease into your workouts. Dress appropriately and give yourself a few more minutes of warm up time in your workouts. Stay active, and your muscles and joints will thank you.
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