Weight Loss

A Cold Weather Way To Burn Fat Fast

Trying to lose weight at any time of the year can be difficult, but even more so during the winter months, especially if you live in a northern climate. Weight loss in the winter can be an extra trial for many people as they feel the need to eat more to keep warm and also are less inclined to get out and do some exercise.

Getting out during the cold winter months can be enjoyable as the fresh, cold air seems to rejuvenate your body after spending the day indoors. If you change the way you look at it, winter can be the perfect time to walk off weight, even if you’re not a “snow bunny”. Sticking with your usual exercise routine is one of the best ways to boost your chances of starting the new year a size smaller. If you got used to walking outdoors throughout the summer months, switching to a different activity for cold weather in the winter can make your weight loss even more of a struggle, says John Jakicic, PhD, assistant professor in the weight control and diabetes research center at Brown University School of Medicine in Providence, RI.

If you do change your main exercise activity just to avoid going outside in the cold winter months, it may have a negative impact on the momentum you have going for you after months of regular exercise in the warmer months. Finding a new activity may mean organizing your day differently or doing something that you’re not as comfortable with. Research shows that people who lose weight and keep it off do so by exercising the equivalent of walking 3 to 4 miles a day. No matter what the weather, they find a way–and you can too. We’ll show you how to easily transition from fall to winter so that you can slim down–even during the holidays. You’ll look fantastic come spring, your bones will stay strong, and your walking muscles won’t be screaming when you head out for your first warm-weather jaunt.

At first thought, the idea of walking during the cold months may seem a bit too much for many people. But walking in the winter offers you a refreshing change of pace, says Alan Mikesky, PhD, director of the human performance and biomechanics laboratory at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. The invigorating cold air can clear your mind and reduce stress, which can be helpful for weight loss. Walking in the cold air may also encourage you to walk faster, raising your heart rate and therefore increasing your metabolism.

And if walking in the cold can help reduce stress then maybe you should consider how you view this particular exercise. Research shows that stress can increase levels of cortisol, a hormone that may increase appetite and promote fat storage. Getting outside during daylight hours also increases levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps calm cravings. Fresh air and sunlight are also good for your overall health not just your weight loss

There are many light-weight winter clothes that are excellent at keeping you warm when you are out in the cold. Why not treat yourself to a new, fleecy top. High-tech synthetic fabrics make a big difference to your comfort, so they’re worth the investment. You’ll be much happier and more energized if you’re warm and dry instead of sweaty and chilled, and therefore more likely to continue with your exercise regime. Allow at least 10 minutes to warm up, as when it’s cold, your heart and muscles need more time to get ready.

Dress in layers when going for a walk out in the cold. That way if you get too warm you can takes some off. Always wear a hat, gloves and don’t forget some sunscreen if you walk in the during the day. When you step outside, you should feel slightly chilled but not cold. During your workout, you want to feel warm, not hot and sweaty.

If you just can’t go into the cold weather for a walk, the next best thing is to have a treadmill. this will be your best friend during the winter months. In a study led by Dr. Jakicic, women who had a treadmill in their home lost twice as much weight as those without one.

The perfect scenario is to have a treadmill for the bad weather days. If the weather’s bad or when it’s too dark outside, you can hop on a treadmill anytime, even if you only have a few minutes. Plus, if your treadmill is in constant view, it serves as a visual reminder. We can always make excuses why we don’t do our daily exercise, but as soon as we recognize that they are just excuses, we can overcome our reticence and get to work on doing our bit towards our weight loss campaign

Having a treadmill also has some benefits as it takes the guess work out of your exercise routine. You can see how fast and far you’re walking, which also allows you to workout your calorie burn and track your progress, says Bobby Kelly, creator of Treadmill Conditioning and owner of Results Only gym in Rockville, MD. Also, since walking is a natural movement, you may be more comfortable and better able to get a good workout than you would with an exercise machine that is unfamiliar to you. Weight loss can be fun. If you find it a lonely existence then why not find a friend to accompany you on your journey.

Jan Whalen

jwhalen92347@yahoo.com

skype – janetwhalen