10 WORKOUT SECRETS for when it’s cold

With party season just around the corner, now’s the time to boost your fitness motivation 

- FAYEM SMITH

Let’s be honest. Unless you’re ultra passionate about exercise and find running a marathon a doddle, the idea of going outside to get your blood pumping when the weather is miserable is not very tempting. But you don’t have to slip out of the exercise habit when the seasons change – especially as staying active through autumn and winter is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. Hate the idea of braving the chill to feel the burn? Try these tricks that our fitness experts swear by.

1 Invest in the right gear

 ‘Think thin, fitted layers rather than big and bulky,’ says WalkActive founder Joanna Hall. Try a T-shirt base layer that draws sweat away from your body, then a lightweight long-sleeved layer. Over that, wear a fitted jacket and, if it’s really cold, add a sleeveless fleece gilet. Stretch exercise trousers are ideal, and try two pairs of socks, rather than one thick pair.

2 Don’t ditch the warm-up

‘Cold weather causes your muscles to contract and be less elastic, which can increase the risk of injury when you exercise,’ says personal trainer Chris Ward. Stretch for at least five minutes before and after working out.

3 Set a destination