Local Fitness Experts Weigh Risks and Rewards of Winter Workouts
As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, staying active outdoors presents both opportunities and challenges for Washington, D.C. residents. Local fitness professionals are advising caution alongside encouragement, emphasizing teh importance of adapting workout routines to the season and prioritizing safety.
Exercising outdoors in winter isn’t about chasing personal records, but maintaining fitness and building a foundation for the warmer months, according to experts. “You don’t want to try for a personal best during the winter,” said Harvey Johnson. “I was running just to protect my base.” It’s a time to focus on balanced training,incorporating both slow and fast twitch muscle work and aerobic conditioning,rather than peak performance. Brooks, another local fitness professional, agreed, stating, “There’s nothing wrong with mixing up workouts in winter,” but cautioned, “if you need to run, be sure to balance risk of injury to benefit from outdoor activity.”
The body’s nutritional needs also shift with the season.While pre-workout fueling may not require significant changes, post-exercise recovery becomes crucial. “When you are finished exercising outdoors, it’s a good time to consume some kind of balanced meal with protein,” Brooks explained. “Muscles are looking for that protein you are about to consume. Do what is best for your body.”
Beyond the physical aspects, experts highlight the mental benefits of winter exercise. The stillness of the season can offer a unique prospect for mindfulness and self-care. “Sometimes it’s about doing something good for yourself, even when the world is frozen,” the article notes.
For further information, contact E. Brooks at ebrooks@thinkingcorrectly.com or Harvey Johnson at coachharvey99@gmail.com. Columnist Pattie Cinelli, a winter outdoor exercise enthusiast, can be reached at fitmiss44@aol.com.