As the weather gets colder and colder you might be tempted to cut back on your outdoor activities.
But walking outside has a wide range of well known benefits such as improved stress levels, balanced blood sugar, better sleep and an easier time achieving a weight loss goal.
Living in southern california, it doesn't get extremely cold, so I wanted to get advice from the experts for how you can keep walking even when the temperature drops.
Today I'm sharing the top 10 cold weather walking tips from my community who live in a variety of winter wonderlands.
Psssst - we're running a FREE 100 mile walking challenge for the month of November! Grab the details to join HERE.
1. Get waterproof shoes or boots with good grip.
Those in cold weather have stated that the roads can get quite slippery as the temperature drops. Make sure you're prepared so your feet stay warm and you don't lose your balance. Some additional, more specific advice from the community:
Get some Yaktrax for your shoes/boots (the kind with coils, not spikes) for walking in snow & slippery conditions.
Try using ice cleats.
Experiment with waterproof rain boots.
2. Wear layers
You might start off cold, but as you get moving you could warm up quite a bit. One community member recommended the following layers:
Cozy layers - toques (or a beanie), good gloves, wool socks, vest under a coat
Cold weather base layers (like Under Armour)
Make sure to have gloves and a hat to cover your ears
If you lose your gloves, buy a bunch of inexpensive ones to keep in various places so you always have them at hand (pun intended)
Raincoat or snowcoat
3. Make use of indoor space when needed
Although the benefits are greater when you walk outside, any walking is better than none. So if there's a storm outside, try taking your walk indoors by heading to an indoor mall, doing the stairs in your house or walking on a treadmill at home or at a gym.
4. Use chores to get steps in
If you have snow that needs to be shoveled, use that time to get outside and get moving. Plus, you'll warm up quickly with all of the activity!
5. Change your route as needed
One community member mentioned that she will change her route depending on snow levels.
"Snow trekking is a serious work out. I also switch to active zone minutes instead of steps."
6. Walk with hot tea or coffee
Keep your hands and your belly warm with a hot cup of tea or coffee on-the-go. Just make sure to keep it in a thermos so it stays warm!
7. An active dog helps!
If you have an active dog that needs to get outside, it can certainly help to motivate you. Although, obviously don't add a dog to your family solely for this purpose!
8. Keep an eye on the weather app
The weather can change, but if there are a few days that look like they might be a bit warmer than others, plan on going for a bit of a longer walk on those days
9. Size up your walking shoes
To keep your feet cozy and warm, you might need to size up your walking shoes during the winter to account for fuzzy socks.
10. Try a weighted vest
Walking with a weighted vest (known as "rucking") can help to get more out of a shorter walk. It adds a bit of resistance, making the walk more challenging. Plus, the extra effort could help to keep you warmer, too.
Join our free 100 mile walking challenge HERE!
❤️,
Autumn
Autumn Elle Nutrition
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