Stay Fit When The Mercury Drops

(CARLSBAD, CA) - Exercise is a great way to beat the winter blahs, and heading outdoors offers special benefits. When you brave the chill, you boost your calorie burn by 10 to 40 percent, because your body requires extra energy to maintain its internal temperature. Chugging through snow also increases your heart rate and effort, and lunchtime workouts can provide a much needed dose of sunshine, which generates Vitamin D and can head off depression caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Of course, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind while exercising outside in cold weather:

— Dress in breathable layers. Wear synthetic fabrics that wick away moisture, and cover them with jackets that protect you from wind and snow. Always wear a hat and mittens; about half of your body heat is lost through the head.

— Drink water. You continue to sweat even when the temperature drops, and dehydration can affect your body’s ability to handle cold temperatures. So keep a water bottle handy as you exercise.

— Wear reflective clothing. Shorter days often mean exercising in the dark, so protect yourself by making sure motorists see you.

— Make an extra effort to warm up properly. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your activity to protect your muscles from pulls and strains. Likewise take the time to cool down when you’re done.

— Watch your footing. Consider investing in footwear that improves your traction in the snow and ice, and choose your routes carefully.

— Change into dry clothes and/or take a warm shower as soon as possible after your workout to avoid becoming chilled.

— Know when to stay indoors. If the wind chill is especially harsh, or if you’re subject to excessive ice or blizzard conditions, opt to exercise inside.

When cold weather derails your regular workout don’t give up on exercise!  Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise founder, suggests making a trip to the local Y, community center or health club where you can workout while your children enjoy their own activities.  If you’re a diehard jogger, give your legs a break and cross-train with a dance, yoga, or Pilates class.  If you can steal some time for yourself, try a new exercise video or dust off some of the exercise equipment that’s been waiting for your attention.  If the entire family is restless, be creative and think of activities and games the whole family can enjoy.  You don’t have to be a pro to get your family moving.  Put on some music and try the following basic dance step to warm up and get your heart pumping.

Step with your right foot into a side lunge. Allow your arms to swing to the right as you stretch your left leg out to the opposite side.  Next, swing your left leg across and point it to the right, as you open your arms to the side. Keep your right knee slightly bent.  Reverse the movements, stepping to the left and pointing the right foot across to the left.  Continue alternating sides to the rhythm of the music until you are ready to change to another move.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com