RV Fitness: Best Cold Weather Gear
11-22-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Many parts of the country experience great fluctuations in temperature. It may be relatively warm one day—perfect for a run through the woods—and then overly chilly the next. Some people live for these crisp days; others, not so much. Living or traveling in an RV doesn't leave a ton of indoor room for workouts (although, there are several workout options that you can do in the limited space of your motorhome), but taking the winter off can really have a negative impact on your health and weight. Fortunately, modern fitness gear means that you can still have options. With a bit of planning, and creative layering, you can enjoy biking, hiking, and running outside.
Assess the Local Weather
Many campgrounds and RV parks have a variety of fantastic biking, hiking, and jogging trails that are great options when it's sunny and are still doable—with a bit of extra preparation—when it's raining. Be sure to check the local forecast before heading out because—depending on your location—the weather conditions can change quickly and become dangerous if you aren't dressed right.
The temperature that is too inclement for outdoor exercise is entirely a personal choice. For some, running in the rain is exhilarating, for others it turns an enjoyable activity into a miserable one. Unless you're dressed in appropriate layers to keep your skin drier, an unexpected downpour—or worse, sleet and snow—can cause you to become wet, which increases your risk of hypothermia. Dressing in the right combination of layers can ensure you exercise in relative comfort.
Cool Weather Wear
The first layer should include a moisture-wicking base to keep your skin dry regardless of how much you sweat. Start with a wicking bra or undershirt (dependent on gender and preference), shorts, socks, and undies. Then add a layer of fleece, micro-fiber, or wool. This should be in the form of a long-sleeve, shirt and cropped or full-length pants or high-tech tights.
If you really dislike the cold, move toward the next level of chill. Add a sweatshirt and possibly gloves and ear-warmers or a headband. Keep in mind, you'll be warming up as you exercise, so you should dress lighter than you would expect to require for more leisurely outdoor cold-weather activities.
Cold Weather Wear
With a cold weather activity, you want to begin with the clothing similar to what you wear for the cooler days. Wear a moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt, and thermal tights. Add an insulating fleece layer and pants. Over that, you should add a light weight jacket or insulated vest, and flexible gloves. Top it with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric headband or beanie to keep your head warm and dry. You can wear a jacket with a hood if you also want to keep your neck warm.
Even though you want to be warm, you want to be able to easily move around. You are exercising after all. Dressing in multiple layers of contemporary, high-tech fabrics allows you to comfortably perform all of the exercises you would with fewer articles of clothing.
Wet Weather Wear
When you plan a wet-weather activity, waterproof gear is a must. Many of the items are made of light-weight Gore-Tex and feature fitted elastic or drawstring hoods, waists, wrists, and ankles to keep moisture out. Gore-Tex options are light enough that if the weather clears during your workout you can remove them, fold them, and pack them in your pockets.
Make sure to invest in at least one pair of waterproof athletic shoes. Keeping your feet dry during your workout is essential to your overall comfort. Plus, it reduces chafing and the risk of injury.
In Conclusion
Outdoor exercise during winter can benefit you in several ways. Not only does it improve your overall health, it also improves your mood at a time when many people experience seasonal depression. By dressing in layers and using the right layers for the winter conditions in your area, you can enjoy all the seasons and the campgrounds have to offer
Assess the Local Weather
Many campgrounds and RV parks have a variety of fantastic biking, hiking, and jogging trails that are great options when it's sunny and are still doable—with a bit of extra preparation—when it's raining. Be sure to check the local forecast before heading out because—depending on your location—the weather conditions can change quickly and become dangerous if you aren't dressed right.
The temperature that is too inclement for outdoor exercise is entirely a personal choice. For some, running in the rain is exhilarating, for others it turns an enjoyable activity into a miserable one. Unless you're dressed in appropriate layers to keep your skin drier, an unexpected downpour—or worse, sleet and snow—can cause you to become wet, which increases your risk of hypothermia. Dressing in the right combination of layers can ensure you exercise in relative comfort.
Cool Weather Wear
The first layer should include a moisture-wicking base to keep your skin dry regardless of how much you sweat. Start with a wicking bra or undershirt (dependent on gender and preference), shorts, socks, and undies. Then add a layer of fleece, micro-fiber, or wool. This should be in the form of a long-sleeve, shirt and cropped or full-length pants or high-tech tights.
If you really dislike the cold, move toward the next level of chill. Add a sweatshirt and possibly gloves and ear-warmers or a headband. Keep in mind, you'll be warming up as you exercise, so you should dress lighter than you would expect to require for more leisurely outdoor cold-weather activities.
Cold Weather Wear
With a cold weather activity, you want to begin with the clothing similar to what you wear for the cooler days. Wear a moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt, and thermal tights. Add an insulating fleece layer and pants. Over that, you should add a light weight jacket or insulated vest, and flexible gloves. Top it with a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric headband or beanie to keep your head warm and dry. You can wear a jacket with a hood if you also want to keep your neck warm.
Even though you want to be warm, you want to be able to easily move around. You are exercising after all. Dressing in multiple layers of contemporary, high-tech fabrics allows you to comfortably perform all of the exercises you would with fewer articles of clothing.
Wet Weather Wear
When you plan a wet-weather activity, waterproof gear is a must. Many of the items are made of light-weight Gore-Tex and feature fitted elastic or drawstring hoods, waists, wrists, and ankles to keep moisture out. Gore-Tex options are light enough that if the weather clears during your workout you can remove them, fold them, and pack them in your pockets.
Make sure to invest in at least one pair of waterproof athletic shoes. Keeping your feet dry during your workout is essential to your overall comfort. Plus, it reduces chafing and the risk of injury.
In Conclusion
Outdoor exercise during winter can benefit you in several ways. Not only does it improve your overall health, it also improves your mood at a time when many people experience seasonal depression. By dressing in layers and using the right layers for the winter conditions in your area, you can enjoy all the seasons and the campgrounds have to offer
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Author: Carrie Todd
