It’s cold, raining, or getting dark too early and we’ve already had enough of the typical exercises at the gym. Our weaker self often does not make it easy for us. Where is our motivation to get up for sports or exercise in the fresh air? In this article, you’ll find out what positive effects outdoor sports can have, how your sports experience can get a new kick, and what other great activities are waiting for you despite really bad weather.
Bad weather – A matter of definition?!
Of course, most people like to go outside when it’s 20 degrees and sunny. But if we still manage to be active even when the sun is not shining in all its glory, we are doing something good for our bodies! Regular exercise and sports outdoors can strengthen the cardiovascular system and the immune system. We promote strengthening of our musculoskeletal system and at the same time a lot of happiness hormones are released. The fresh air also facilitates transport of oxygen to the cells as well as clears the mind. For some sports, such as cross-country running or sailing, different weather conditions also provide an extra kick.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather – only bad clothing”: If we take this saying to heart regarding outdoor sports, outdoor activities can also take place in bad weather. In windy or stormy conditions, you should wear breathable and functional clothing. This allows for heat regulation. Heat dissipation also plays a significant role in low temperatures. Hereby, temperature itself during sports outside is not the biggest problem, rather the balance between cooling down and overheating is important. Through exercise, we produce heat. However, as soon as exercising is stopped, heat loss is higher than heat production and there is a risk of hypothermia. On the other hand, if we wear too much clothing, there is a risk of overheating. Therefore, you should put on warm outer wear before training and take it off after about 10 minutes of warming up. Cotton is particularly recommended because the fabric allows moisture to escape on the one hand and retains body heat in case of a threat of hypothermia on the other hand. It is also best to wear tight-fitting clothes to avoid friction, and to choose good, non-slip footwear. A light headgear is also recommended in case of rain or wind. After exercising, we should still put on something dry immediately and preferably stretch a bit.
Alternative activities
Of course, there are also weather conditions like heavy rains, snow, ice, or heat when it truly does not lend itself to get physically active outside. Therefore, here are some great alternatives to the usual gym visit:
Home workouts:
Home workouts offer a wide variety of exercises and sports. Numerous videos can be watched for inspiration or instruction for free. How about trying yoga, Pilates, or Zumba? Strengthening exercises with and without weights can also be varied. Another advantage: You are totally flexible in terms of time and can start when you feel like it. Maybe even now after reading the article?!
Indoor swimming pool:
How about a visit to the indoor pool again? This is also great fun for kids, who can let off steam while you swim your laps. Afterwards, you might want to treat yourself to a whirlpool or sauna session as a reward.
Indoor skiing:
Have you ever gone indoor skiing? It’s a great activity when you don’t have mountains on your doorstep, and it almost feels like you’re outside. The kids will love it too and often you can go sledding as well.
Ice-skating:
Ice-skating in an indoor rink is also a great option when the weather is bad, plus it’s a lot of fun. Again, you get the feeling of being outside and if the weather allows for it, there are also open ice rinks, where you can skate outdoors.
Climbing/Bouldering:
Climbing or bouldering are also great and multifaceted activities, whereby also kids can have a lot of fun. Whether it’s indoors when it’s bad weather or outdoors in the high ropes course, there is something in it for everyone in the various courses.
As you can see, it is often our own drive that keeps us from doing sports outside, not the weather. So, grab your weatherproof clothes and try your hand at new activities or take a trip to do cool indoor activities.