10 good reasons to exercise in winter
Finding the motivation to exercise is often more difficult in winter than in summer: it's cold, it gets dark quickly, and our body works in slow motion. However, some of the benefits of winter sports are multiplied.
suffers from depression
In summer as in winter, the body secretes endorphins, dopamine and serotonin under the influence of sports. The release of these neurotransmitters allows you to feel comfortable in your body and in your head. It is very useful in winter when winter depression is waiting.
Burn more calories
Exercising in the winter (provided you are not indoors) allows you to burn more calories because when the body is exposed to cold, it increases metabolism, that is, it needs to produce more energy. As a result, it burns more calories, which promotes weight loss.
It is good for the heart
In the face of lower temperatures, the heart has to increase its capacity to core, making it more muscular. Therefore, exercising in winter ensures your heart is healthy and less likely to develop cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. However, beware of people with fragile hearts who should consult a doctor before exercising in the cold.
Helps fight infections
Exercising in cold weather stimulates the immune defenses by increasing the number of white blood cells, which makes it possible to avoid infection with viruses and bacteria in the winter. Going out for exercise in cold weather doesn't make you sick, quite the opposite...
It is used to replenish vitamin D
Vitamin D contributes to good health: it strengthens bones and strengthens muscle mass. It can only be made by the body through regular exposure to daylight. In winter, the only way to synthesize vitamin D is to leave the house during the day to get the same fresh air, which will be more beneficial if combined with physical activity.
Relieves physical pain
Exercise is recommended to relieve some pain. On the other hand, stopping sports suddenly, which often happens in the winter, makes muscles less strong, leads to a loss of stamina and strength, and makes the body more susceptible to musculoskeletal pain.
improve sleep
Exercise reduces sleep disturbances, provided it is practiced before 7 pm. It allows, at the beginning of the day, to start working well, and at the end of the day to release the accumulated tensions. Sport creates good fatigue that promotes restorative sleep quality, both summer and winter.
Allows you to open up to new activities
Winter sports are an opportunity to discover new activities such as Nordic walking or snowboarding, for example. For those who have a favorite sport, know that most sports can be continued in the winter. This is the case with swimming, for example, with heated pools.
strengthens the back
Low back pain is sometimes the result of a lack of physical exercise. Winter sports promote better back health: this is the case of downhill skiing, which greatly stresses the joints of the back and lower body.
maintain the link
Exercising in the winter allows you to stay connected outside instead of being locked up at home. Go jogging with a friend, go to the pool, play indoor or outdoor tennis, go skiing with friends, etc. Good for muscles and mind but also helps maintain social connections.