When Mother Nature brings colder temperatures for the winter, our bodies really feel the chill.
According to Marie Udarbe, a Physiotherapist at the Health Network, it’s important to continue physical activity during the winter.
Udarbe explains that many people tend to do the exact opposite. With minimal sunlight throughout the day during the winter season we lack motivation to do anything, especially to go to the gym.
As temperatures drop, more and more snow is in the weather forecasts. For Canadians, that means shovelling 2 to 3 times a week if we are lucky. Udarbe says that although shovelling is frustrating, we have to take our time when doing so. Warm up your muscles beforehand and take breaks when you’re shovelling for long periods of time.
Photo from Reader’s Digest.
Udarbe says, “After a certain point you’re like ‘I just want to get this done’. So you always want to make sure the power is coming from your legs and when you’re twisting that you’re not manipulating or moving your torso in a weird angle.”
Regardless of the time of year, warming up your muscles is key to preventing physical injuries. Udarbe explains, “On a really extreme cold day, in general, regardless of how the weather is outside, you always want to warm up your body before any physical excursion.”
Bears seem to have the right idea– hibernating for the winter months. For humans, the cold weather can’t be avoided, but there are ways to get around the aches and pains physically.