The coldest days of winter have arrived — but there’s no need to stick to indoor exercise. When you’re outside: As you work out, more than 75% of the energy produced by your muscles is converted to heat, so you won’t feel cold for long… blood vessels in the skin’s surface, hands and feet constrict, diverting blood to your core, so vital internal organs stay warm… and the cold raises your metabolic rate, so you burn more calories than you would indoors. But whatever your workout — walking, running, skiing — you need to dress right. Key: Layers trap warm air close to your body and allow you to shed clothing if you get too warm. Guidelines…
For your innermost layer, do not choose cotton — it absorbs sweat, leaving skin damp and cold. Better: Breathable synthetics, such as polypropylene, wick moisture away from skin. Try: Under Armour (888-727-6687, www.UnderArmour.com).
The number of insulating middle layers (cotton shirts, a fleece vest) depends on the weather. Hint: If hands and feet are cold, add another shirt — so your core has spare heat to share with your extremities. Avoid bulky movement-constricting garments.
For your outermost layer, choose a jacket that is water-, snow- and wind-proof, such as Gore-Tex (800-467-3839, www.Gore-Tex.com).
Helpful: Before you wrap up, protect your face with sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm.
