Hello everyone! I am writing to you on a chilly January day with a high of 2 degrees.... yes your read that right. 2. Degrees. Fahrenheit. Anyway! On days like this and days that are below freezing it is so important for gym and studio goers to layer up! Here's why:
Higher Risk of Injury
The cold constricts our blood vessels and blood flow making us stiff. If we spend too much time in the cold without layers on, especially after a workout, we're at greater risk of injury. Say it's also a little icy in the gym parking lot... what happens if you need to move quickly to catch yourself? If your joints and muscles are stiff from the cold and you move quickly, you're much more likely to pull a muscle.
Shivering
Lack of layers mean you're more likely to shiver meaning you're muscles are going to contract at a faster, involuntary speed in the effort to keep you warm. Your shoulders get tense as they go up by your ears, hands may be in pockets to keep them from getting too cold, which again, puts you at greater risk for injury!
Increased Risk of Dehydration
Typically we're warned about staying hydrated in the summer months due to sweating more and helping our body stay cool. However, we're all still at risk of dehydration in the winter months too! Moisture leaves our body in the vapor we exhale and our sweat dries quicker in the cold, making the need to rehydrate a little less obvious than in the summer. So along with layering up, make sure you're drinking water!
If this helped you realized the importance of wearing layers, as a dancer or weightlifter, drop a comment below and reach out with any questions you may have!