The Benefits Of Training Outside In The Winter

A study on the seasonal changes in metabolic rates showed the impact of the temperature you train in on your metabolism.

In summary, when exercising outdoors in the colder months, you actually burn more calories, which can result in greater weight loss and body transformation, when compared to exercising indoors in an Ely gym.

This happens because our bodies need to be kept at a certain temperature. Therefore, when we are in a cold environment, we burn more calories to generate enough heat.

This medically reviewed article on the benefits of cold exposure evidences even more benefits to exercising outdoors in the colder months, such as;

• Aids fat burning
  • When colder, you burn calories and fat in order to stay warm (as discussed already)
• Fights inflammation
  • raises something called adiponectin, a protein that combats inflammation
• Stronger via hormesis
  • Hormesis being the introduction of a small stress to the body to prep it for future stressors that are even stronger, i.e. by working outside in perhaps less than ideal weather, you’ll be more accustomed to that next time and it’ll have less effect on you
• Strengthens the nervous system
  • Cold temperatures act as a light ‘workout’ for the nervous system, which therefore strengthens it.
• May support and speed up recovery
  • Reduces swelling, inflammation and muscle spasms
• Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
  • Cold exposure can enhance the body’s response to insulin, allowing glucose to clear from the blood with greater efficiency.
• Strengthens the immune system
• Reduces pain