What Are The Benefits Of Running In The Cold?

It takes discipline and strength to simply walk out of the house in cold weather, let alone run. So, to entice you to put on those running shoes (and give your Netflix a break), here are a few benefits of running in the cold.

There are numerous benefits to running in the cold. For instance, it is easier to run in the cold as it is less stressful on the body. There is also evidence that your body burns more calories on colder days and that white fat is converted to brown fat. Running in the cold also elevates your mood.

Running certainly has its benefits. However, running in the cold has another set of benefits you might not have known about. Continue reading to discover just how the cold and running can go together.

Running In The Cold Is Easier

The cold may be the perfect condition to run in (although it does not feel like it while trying to convince yourself to go out there and run). When it comes to running, cold weather has a significantly different effect on the body than hot weather.

Evidence shows that colder weather reduces the stress on the body, making it easier to run. One of the main differences is the expelling of heat. Every move a runner makes produces heat within the runner's body. This heat then needs to be removed.

The body removes heat in two ways: sweating or transporting blood to the skin's surface, where heat can escape into the external environment.

This may sound like a good thing - especially those of you who are running to lose weight - however, excess heat has some serious drawbacks. Too much heat can hinder performance as well as cause heat exhaustion.

Additionally, your risk of dehydration is lowered when running in the cold. This is because the body needs less water on colder days. According to statistics on dehydration, hot weather is associated with a 30.38 percent greater increase in dehydration than cold weather. Almost a third of an increase!

Additionally, a 6 percent increase in heart rate has also been observed in hotter conditions. Therefore, running in the cold can be beneficial to your heart as it allows your heart to work less hard. Overall, running in the cold should be easier.

Running In The Cold Promotes Good Fat

Yes. You read this heading right. I said 'good fat' - sounds continuative, I know. But to help ease the transition from skepticism to belief, let me lay down some facts about this.

Our body consists of different types of fat; white and brown fat, and everything in between.

We generally would consider white fat as unhealthy and detrimental to our health.

On the other hand, brown fat is regarded as a good type of fat. Brown fat is viewed that way as it is metabolic tissue that burns calories. So to put it simply, white fat stores extra calories, and brown fat burns calories.

Studies have shown that exposure to the cold can help promote the conversion of white fat to brown fat. And the areas of fat that have typically been shown to convert are that stubborn thigh and belly fat. So, if that is not motivation to go out in the cold, I do not know what is!

This means that not only will a run in the cold burn calories; your fat will literally turn into a calorie-burning machine. Would more could you ask for? Also, as a result of this fat conversion, expect your body composition to change. So, all in all, braving the cold to get that summer bod ready might be a little easier this time around.

Running In The Cold Elevates Your Mood

We all know that running can make you feel better. But some types of running sessions can make you feel better than others. More precisely, where you decide to run can impact your mood.

I am not referring to outdoor locations such as a scenic run past a majestic waterfall versus a litter-ridden inner-city run; those differences in location will undoubtedly affect your mood.

Rather, I am referring to indoor running versus outdoor running. A study looked at individuals that exercised outdoors during the winter months versus indoors on a treadmill. Those who exercised outdoors experienced more exercise-related benefits:

• Higher energy levels
• Decreased feelings of depression
• Were more likely to engage in workouts in the future

Additionally, running during the winter months has been shown to help ward off those winter blues.

Running releases endorphins, aka the 'happy hormone,' in the body. These hormones help fight off depression and the common blues we feel during winter. So keeping your running shoes on always has its benefits.

Additionally, running is a great stress reliever. So incorporating running into your daily routine may do wonders for managing stress, anxiety, and those blue days. It is no wonder why running is so popular.

Running In The Cold Burns Calories

Running burns calories. However, running in the cold burns even more calories. The increase in calorie burning is partly due to the increased basal metabolic rate. When you run in the cold, your body goes through a series of responses that help it adjust to the cold.

Then once your run has finished and you are back to the warmth of your home, your body does the same as it attempts to go back to its normal temperature. These bodily responses to temperature ultimately increase one's metabolic rate, which, in turn, burns more calories.

So simply put, we burn more calories on a colder day compared to a milder day. Of course, after hearing this, I know it'll be difficult to resist indulging in that extra hot chocolate or two...or three.

Summary

Running in the cold has many benefits. Increased metabolism, fighting off the winter blues, plus additional calorie-burning, to name a few. So put on your running shoes and go for that run. You will thank me later.