Adjusting your exercise routines to colder weather
- Emily Drury
- October 12, 2023
- 2:06 pm
As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many of our patients face the challenge of maintaining our workout routines during this cooler weather. But for bariatric surgery patients, staying active is not just about your fitness and reducing your body fat mass, it is an essential part for a healthier lifestyle for a better quality of life. We can assure you, with a little planning and motivation, you can continue to work towards your health and weight loss goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some effective strategies to transition your exercise routine for cooler weather.
Layer up
The most important part of adjusting to colder weather is dressing appropriately. Layering up helps you maintain a good temperature and comfort you during your workouts. You can do this by adding an insulating layer for warmth as well as an outer layer to protect you from any wind and moisture. Also, don’t forget to wear a hat and gloves if the weather becomes cold.
Choose the right time:
In cooler weather, the temperature can vary significantly throughout the day. By trying to do your physical activity at a specific time every day you can attempt to schedule your workout during the warmest part of the day, making the experience more enjoyable. If you prefer morning or evening workout, you can invest in some outdoors gear that can be convenient for this weight loss.
Embrace indoor workouts:
Sometimes, the weather can be too harsh to exercise safely outdoors. Embrace indoor workout options to maintain your routine. This can include joining a gym or attending fitness classes if you’d like. Alternatively, setting up a space in your house if you have room to create a ‘home gym’. With this, you can add a few essential pieces of light weights to help aid you in your workouts, or use your bodyweight.
Stay hydrated:
Staying hydrated is vital regardless of the weather, but in cooler temperatures, it’s easier to forget to drink as you might not feel as thirsty. However, your body still requires enough fluids to perform as well as it can, which is especially important for a bariatric patient (for your recovery). A useful tip to help with this is to keep a water bottle with you during your workouts to remind you to take regular sips.
Warm-up and cool down:
Your muscle joints may take longer to warm up during the colder temperatures. To help with this, make sure to include a good warm-up before you begin physical fitness to increase your heart rate. This can be done through some dynamic stretches and/or some aerobic exercise to prepare your body for some more intense exercise. After your workout, it is also just as important to cool down with some more static stretches to prevent your muscles becoming sore. The technical side of this is because your limbs, muscles and joints are still warm. Therefore the stretching can help reduce the build-up of lactic acid (which leads to muscle cramping and stiffness).
Monitor your health:
As a lot of patients already know, paying close attention to your health is important, especially during autumn and winter. This is because the risk of dehydration and muscle strains can be higher when it is cold. However, if you experience any unusual pain or discomfort it is important to contact our patient support team promptly on 0121 693 4488.
Find a workout buddy:
Staying motivated can be challenging when the weather turns cold, so consider finding a workout buddy who can keep you accountable and provide support for you with your active lifestyle. Exercising with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and help you stick to your routine.
Overall, transitioning your physical fitness for cooler weather as a bariatric surgery patient doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right clothing, planning and a bit of creativity, you can continue to live the healthier and happier life we know you strive for.