| 'Cool' Workout Gear to Keep You Warm By: Stephanie Howson It’s still winter, and as the temperature continues to drop, it can be difficult for many of us to picture going outdoors for anything, much less to exercise. However, have no fear! With these cold-weather exercise tips from Yolanda Flamino, a long distance runner who qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the marathon, and some cold-weather athletic gear, you can venture outside again. We all know it’s cool to stay warm. “Cold weather affects everyone differently,” says Flamino. Therefore she recommends paying attention to what works best for you in terms of keeping warm and safe. “The gear that is best for exercising outside in the cold is also gear that is going to keep you comfortable and safe.” It can get slippery in the winter months, especially with all the snow and ice that comes along with the cold. Make sure you stay upright and safe with the Yaktrax Walker ($20 http://www.yaktrax.com/Products Walker.aspx), a lightweight traction device for shoes. Just slip it over your boots or sneakers and enjoy better traction for safer walking and running on snow and ice. Along with moving safely, bright colors and reflective gear also can help you stay safe outside in winter, when it gets darker earlier. “Cold weather often accompanies short days and limited visibility. It is important to wear reflective materials,” suggests Flamino. Try pairing your Yaktrax Walkers with the Brooks Running “Nightlife” line. Bright colors and reflective material make for great visibility. Clothing prices range from $10-$100. (http://www.brooksrunning.com/products/24391) “Hats and gloves are important as the head and hands are an area of the body where significant heat is lost. Keeping these two areas warm will retain considerable amounts of body heat, making it easier for the rest of your body to stay warm,” says Flamino. You can have toasty toes and fingers with Grabber’s hand, toe, foot, and body warmers ($23-47 http: //www.warmers.com/Category.aspx?Cat=1&pkey=Products% 7cGrabber+Warmers&pval=0%7c1&pIds=Showcase%7cCategoryID). Reaching 156 degrees Fahrenheit, these warmers can keep your body toasty for up to 10 hours. Though they can only be used once, they come in packs as large as 40 for 400 hours of warmth! Along with warm hands and feet, you can ensure warm arms with the Moeben UV Protection Arm Sleeve ($27.99 http://www.roadrunnersports. com/rrs/products/MOE100/#long_description). This arm covering keeps arms warm, increases circulation, and as an added bonus, protects skin from harmful UV damage. Perfect for all types of outdoor activities and with Moeben’s cool colors and patterns, you can be warm and stylish! Just don’t forget to lather all your other exposed body parts with sunscreen as harmful ultraviolet rays don’t care if it’s chilly. With some weather-appropriate gear and these tips from runner Yolanda Flamino, you should have no problem safely getting the exercise you need each day- even if it is a winter wonderland! |
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