Winter Workout Tips

Helpful hints for how to stay healthy and fit during those cold winter months

Keep your fitness on the right track when the mercury [temperature] drops:

Stay hydrated
"People tend to associate dehydration with hot weather," says Andy Fry, a fitness expert at Indiana University. But during the winter months, parts of the U.S. can be as dry as the Sahara desert, so drink up.

Dress smart
If you're exercising outdoors, wear several light layers to trap warm air close to your body. A good combination would be a windproof outer layer with cotton layers underneath.

Warm up
Low temperatures increase the risk of sprains, making a good warm-up especially important.

Assess the weather
Fry says rain, wind, sunset and sunrise all affect the temperature, so take these into consideration when leaving the house. Fry suggests leaving into the wind and coming back with it.

Avoid winter blues
People exercise more when they're having fun, but winter is dark and cold. So "if bundling up isn't your style, try an indoor activity like a group exercise session or ballroom dancing," Fry says. "The important thing is to stay active."

Language Lab
hydrate v.
to supply someone or something with water to keep them healthy and in good condition [≠ dehydrate]:
- It's important to hydrate frequently when running a marathon.
- Long flights dehydrate your body easily.

associate v.
to make a connection in your mind between one thing or person and another
- People tend to associate the entertainment business with glamour.
glamour n.
the attractive and exciting quality of being connected with wealth and success
associate v.
to spend time with someone, especially someone that other people disapprove of:
- I don't want my kids associating with teens who have drug problems.

assess v.
to make a judgment about a person or situation after thinking carefully about it [= judge]
- The doctor needs to assess the patient's condition before releasing him.
to calculate the value or cost of something
- The mechanic assessed the cost of repair to be $500.
assessment n.
- The test is an assessment of the students' academic achievement.

bundle up Phrasal Verb
To dress oneself warmly.
- We bundle up and left the cabin for a walk in the woods.
- It's freezing now. It's wise to bundle up if you want to go outside.

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