“Jack Frost” Method Supercharges Your Workouts

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted December 2, 2024

As the mercury drops, we instinctively want to huddle inside under a warm blanket.

But before you resign yourself to a season of hibernation and comfort foods, consider this…

Braving the cold could be your secret weapon for better health.

While safety should always come first, of course (never venture out on icy streets), there are compelling reasons to step outside and embrace the chill…

Regular Living Well Daily readers know I’m a firm believer in exercise. You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

You don’t have to plan formal workouts, of course. But keeping your body moving and your heartbeat up—whether from chores or walking on a treadmill—is vital for continued good health.

And that shouldn’t stop when the temperatures drop.

So, let’s explore why getting out and moving your body when temperatures plummet could be one of the BEST decisions you make this winter.

• Burns Extra Calories: Ever wonder why exercising in the cold feels harder? It’s not just your imagination. Your body works overtime in chilly climates, generating extra heat to warm your muscles, organs, and limbs. This increased effort translates to more calories burned—but more importantly, it gives your metabolism a natural boost.
• Improves Endurance: While summer heat can lead to quick exhaustion, cold weather workouts could be your ticket to better stamina. The cooler temps allow you to exercise longer without overheating, potentially improving your endurance and stamina more effectively than warm-weather workouts.
• Fights Depression: Winter blues got you down? Outdoor exercise is a natural antidepressant. Exposure to sunlight while being active outdoors can help ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that often strikes during the darker winter months.
• Enhances Sleep Quality: If you’re tossing and turning at night, cold weather exercise might be your ticket to dreamland. The trifecta of sunlight exposure, fresh air, and physical activity can help regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
• Supports Heart and Metabolic Health: Cold weather exercise isn’t just good for your waistline—it’s also excellent for your heart and metabolism. Regular physical activity, whether a brisk walk or a game of fetch with Fido in the crisp winter air, has been linked to lower risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.

Remember, while cold weather exercise offers these benefits, it’s crucial to approach it safely. Dress in layers, stay hydrated (yes, even in the cold!), and listen to your body.

If conditions are too extreme or you have health concerns, always consult your healthcare provider BEFORE starting a new exercise regimen.

So, don’t retreat indoors the next time Jack Frost nips at your nose. Instead, bundle up, step outside, and embrace the invigorating chill.

P.S. Preserve your mobility with “Agile Aging” exercises.

Source:

Lichtenbelt, Wouter van Marken, et al., Cold exposure – an approach to increasing energy expenditure in humans, Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 25, Issue 4, 165 – 167

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND