The temperatures are cooler, the heater is roaring and the sweater season is in action. Winter is here! We all know it can get difficult when it is winter, you just want to stay indoors, rug up and watch the latest Netflix series. This doesn’t mean your wellbeing and physical health has to suffer. In this blog, we will be focusing on the benefits of regular exercise and why it is important across winter. Here are a few reasons why you should stay on an exercise program in winter.
Improves the immune system: It is important to stay active and healthy by continuing your usual exercise routine and sport. Regular exercises have shown to help with the immune system and prevent you from catching the seasonal flu. When you exercise, your heart rate increases which means more blood is pump throughout the body. There is always a small number of immune cells that circulate in your body. The increase of movement due to exercise will lead to more immune cells (white blood cells) from the lymphatic system being pumped into the bloodstream.
Improves your mood: Many physiological changes occur when you exercise. Physical activity can remodel the brain’s reward system, it can help lead to higher levels of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is your ‘feel good’ chemical in your brain. This is why many people report feeling more relaxed and joyful after exercise.
Sense of belonging: The cold winter can often persuade people to stay indoors. The issue with this is that they will often feel isolated. Sports is a great way to foster togetherness and belonging to a group. Group exercises often have many social benefits and can help form new friendships. So, before you decide to lounge at home, pick up your yoga mat and join your local yoga class.
Increase warmth: Exercise can actually help you stay warm throughout the Winter. Physical activity promotes thermoregulation which helps maintain the body’s core temperature. During exercise, heat is produced from muscle contraction. Remember to always stay hydrated before, during and after a workout. Our body loses a lot of water and electrolytes through our sweat glands. The higher the intensity of exercise then the greater the loss of water and electrolytes.
As you can see, there are so many benefits of exercise. This is especially important if you have chronic co-morbidities such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. It is all about establishing a good habit when it comes to staying healthy in winter. No one wants to continuously restart to the basics in Summer. If you would like a physiotherapy-based exercise program for your chronic health issue, we are here to help. Book an appointment today with one of our friendly physiotherapists. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more exercise tips to stay healthy during the season.