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Feeling Stiff in the Colder Weather

Last updated on December 19, 2017 By Kira Davis MPT Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Exercise & Fitness



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About Kira Davis MPT

Kira Davis has been practicing as a licensed physical therapist (license #PT870656) in the outpatient orthopedic setting since 2006 in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. She received her Masters of Physical therapy in 2005 from Howard University and her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in the Pre-Physical Therapy program in 2003 from Howard University. She has experience addressing many types of sports injuries and is herself an avid soccer player. Trained in classical dance since the age of 3 and an active dance student, she strives to be one of the area's elite physical therapists for the dance community.

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DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.