Keep Warm and Stay
Fit
You don't
have to give up outdoor exercise just because the winter
season is approaching. Many outdoor sports can be continued
or adopted throughout the fall and winter months. Biking,
walking, and cross-country skiing offer excellent aerobic
and conditioning benefits, and are fun to do! Whichever
sport you choose to participate in, make sure you take
the proper precautions to make your time outdoors safe
and enjoyable.
Cycling
and cross-country skiing generate a lot of heat because
both activities expend hundreds of calories. For either
sport, it's best to wear layered, lightweight clothing
that can be easily peeled off. Long underwear, jeans,
a couple of shirts, and a wool sweater make up a sensible
outfit for these sports. Another option is to wear undergarments
made of polypropylene, which provide protection from
the cold while allowing moisture to escape. Don't neglect
your head and hands; a wool hat and insulated gloves
will protect you against heat loss.
If your
exercise outing extends into the evening, wear protective
garments that are visible in the darkness. Fluorescent
or reflective headbands, vests, belts, and patches can
be worn by cyclists and walkers to alert motorists. If
you enjoy bike riding, make sure your bike is equipped
with front, side, rear, and pedal reflectors. In addition,
you might want to mount a headlight and taillight to
your bike. Finally, obey traffic rules; the same rules
that apply for motorists apply for cyclists, too.
