Physical activity during extreme cold
Vanessa Rivers
Physical activity during extreme cold
In the past few days, Mother Nature has spoiled Canadians with its extreme cold and snow. We had to pull out the shovels by dressing warmly and confining ourselves indoors for most of our activities and our daily commute as recommended by weather warnings. What are the real dangers of sneaking out and playing sports outdoors when it's very cold? Here are a few.
• Extreme weather conditions make physical exertion even more demanding, which can increase blood pressure and speed up the pulse rate that may cause heart problems.
• The onset of symptoms in people with breathing difficulties such as asthma for example.
• Prolonged exposure to cold can sometimes lead to frostbite or even hypothermia in some cases.
Some tips for playing sports outdoors when temperatures are so low:
• Dress warmly to maintain your body temperature;
• Protect your extremities because it is largely through the head that the heat disperses;
• Warm up well because in extreme cold the muscles get warmer less quickly. ;
• Feed and hydrate yourself because the cold increases the energy expenditure related to the effort;
• Cardiac and asthmatics: redouble vigilance! The cold is a hostile environment for people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
The body must provide extra effort to maintain its normal temperature at 37 ° C during extreme cold. During this time, why do not you just indulge in an inner activity? In the comfort of a heated room, you can also enjoy the benefits of various physical activities, for example:
• dance;
• stationary bike;
• Swimming;
• climbing;
• Gym training;
• racket sports;
• Team sports (eg ball hockey, volleyball, basketball, etc.).
Admittedly, you have to go out to shovel your entrance, walk to the bus stop and sail to your business despite the cocktail weather that Mother Nature serves us. On the other hand, it is necessary to be vigilant and to be equipped appropriately in order to keep our body warm while respecting the circulation of the latter and thus avoiding unpleasant surprises. Listening to her body during physical exertion, getting well hydrated and having the tools to brave the cold, everything should be under control! If you do not feel able to pull out your shovel with your health, do not hesitate to ask for help.