Staying active during winter weather

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- The weather plummeting into single digits makes it difficult for those who like to stay active year round.

The temperature and windchill may seem like the most daunting parts of exercising outside, but it turns out there is more to be concerned about.

Mark Paxton, Exercise Associate at the Muskingum County Recreation Center, said certain health risks increase in extreme temperatures.

“As you exercise outside in the cold weather you increase risk for hypothermia [and] also for frostbite,” said Paxton.

However, Paxton said you will run the risk of muscle injury as well.

“Your muscles also don’t respond like they would in a controlled environment. You may see more muscle cramps [because] your muscles ability to contract kind of becomes messed up a little bit so if it’s too cold then you’re just better off working out inside,” said Paxton.

For those who do chose to continue exercising outside Paxton suggests wearing removable layers. A synthetic material for the layer closest to your skin is recommended to allow moisture to release. That paired with a windbreaker or waterproof top layer will keep people warm and dry.

Paxton said that shouldn’t discourage you from staying active.

“This is a very important time of year to remain active, the majority of people that gain weight in the United States gain weight in the winter months,” said Paxton. “So it’s very important to still remain active even though it may be cold outside and to make sure that you’re burning off all those calories that you’re consuming.”

If the cold is too much to bear, the Muskingum Recreation Center offers a variety of indoor options.