GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Despite some late-season warmth, winter will return.
And say you just don’t feel comfortable working out inside around other people, or don’t belong to a gym, you can still get blood pumping outside in the dead of winter.
But for that, you’ll need to be prepared, from head to toe.
Literally.
Troy Dempsey, owner of The Heel Shoe Fitters in Ashwaubenon, keeping your feet happy does more than help you stay safe.
“I think the right footwear can make the activity much more enjoyable. When you’re comfortable there’s a tendency to have more motivation to want to go walking or exercising or hiking or whatever it might be,” says Dempsey.
And even if you aren’t prepared to make a big investment in new footwear, there are options.
They make short studs that are designed to be low profile for jogging or being more active, and will fit over just about any style shoe.
And if you just want to go for a stroll — or just avoid extra equipment — some boots have rubber compounds with fiberglass in them for extra grip.
“It tends to want to grip really well so it’s like sandpaper basically on the ice, so it really wants to help your traction,” says Dempsey.
It’s not just about your footwear though.
Prevea sports medicine physician Dr. Amy Romandine Kratz says there is a proper way to dress for the cold when working out.
She recommends, “wearing layers of looser-fitting lightweight, warm clothing, that if you get warm you can take off. But the worst situation is getting cold and then not having anything to put on.”
Dr. Romandine Katz says the mental health benefits of staying active could be especially important this winter. COVID-19-related stress and seasonal depression could make for a potent one-two punch.
Exercise and time in the sun can help relieve both of those as we work through the winter.
And there might even be a potential advantage to working out in the elements versus inside a gym.
“It is a nice opportunity for a mask break. As long as you’re unlikely to be around anyone and you can safely social distance, go ahead, take that mask off,” says Dr. Romandine Kratz.
Speaking of gyms, they are still an option this winter. But Wisconsin’s statewide mask mandate says you’ll need to keep your mask on while inside.
So no matter which way you decided to stay active this winter, just remember to be prepared before heading out.
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