Cold Weather Exercise

It is cold outside. You don't want to exercise. Most people can go to the gym and run or walk on a treadmill. Trucks don't come equipped with treadmills. We have options. We can sit in the truck. We can go outside and brave the cold. I suggest getting out and dressing properly. Being cold stinks. Dressing properly can make it comfortable.

I like to run. I prefer winter running to hot weather. Some of my favorite runs are during a light snowfall There is just something special to me running on a wooded trail. Well that is until it gets a little too deep. No problem, time for cross country skiing. When you live up here you need to make trade offs. It is better than giving up.

Experts say that cross country skiing is great exercise and I believe them. You can go as slow or fast as you want. I seem to average about 6 mph which is about the same as my longer runs. I am a traditional cross country skier. That is similar to a walking motion and does not take a lot of athleticism. It works well when you are skiing through virgin snow. Others will ski in a skating fashion. Basically, you use your skis as if you are speed skating. This takes more athleticism as well as a groomed trail. We have several area parks that groom ski trails. It is fun and I can do it, but prefer the less traveled trails that require traditional skiing. Skis travel easily in the truck and I have carried them with me. You can ski anywhere there is snow.

Snow shoeing is another option. If you think it isn't real exercise, you haven't done it. Go skating. Take the kids or grand kids sledding. Dragging the sleds or tubes back up the hill is real exercise. And those kids never seem to get tired.

No matter what you choose to do dressing properly is key. Even if you are walking the extra clothing might make you sweat under all of those layers. Wear wicking or dri fit clothing as you first layer. I prefer long sleeve T shirts then hooded sweatshirts with a windbreaker “shell” jacket as the final layer. A bright reflective jacket is advisable. My gloves are lightweight wicking gloves. When I wear heavy gloves my hands get too warm when I run and I end up taking them off and putting them back on again. When it gets real cold I wear a baraclava mask. It is a full face mask that is meant to be worn under a helmet. I also have a wicking beanie that I often wear under a plain knit hat.

Go outside and have fun. If you're having fun, it doesn't seem like exercise.

 

 

Comments (7)

Jeff Clark

Jeff Clark of Kewaunee, WI has been driving a truck for 24 years. He has been an owner operator for 11 years.

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Jimmy -might as well have fun. You're right Linda.

December 24, 2013 4:11:45 AM

To add to that, it is not unheard of for one to carry a snowboard in the truck and hit a resort once in a while. Now if only I could land that load to Whistler!

December 23, 2013 22:12:50 PM

I've always told Molly that I love being active in the cold because it makes me feel alive. To me, there is not much more invigorating than a brisk sweat worked up in a cold environment! Maybe thats one reason I enjoy snowboarding so much!

December 23, 2013 22:11:28 PM

Good Deal Jeff Layering always works the best for me.

December 22, 2013 20:05:06 PM

Lorence-absolutely-play beats exercise.--Linda-I carry my running clothes is a separate bag-that is small enough to take on a plane. I get a lot of use out of my hoodies.

December 22, 2013 16:42:46 PM

Jeff that looks great for at home and were you liveā€¦ It looks like a lot of cloth to carry in the truck.

December 22, 2013 5:39:59 AM

Sounds like its fun to be in the snow!

December 22, 2013 2:54:55 AM