As temperature cools, curling up under a blanket at home can seem a lot more attractive than exercising outdoors. But if you wear the right clothes, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities in the colder months. Health experts agree that even a small amount of exercise daily can reap huge physical and mental benefits. Here’s a guide on what to wear to help you stay active this fall.
Head-to-Toe Comfort
The key to dressing for outdoor activities in chilly weather is to wear multiple light layers. Physical activities cause your body to heat up and wearing thick heavy layers can lead to excessive sweating. Dressing in multiple layers gives you more control of your body temperature. You can simply take one layer off if it gets too warm and put it back on if you get cold again.
Start by putting on a base layer. Bearing in mind this is the layer which goes against your skin, it’s important to choose a fabric that wicks sweat away to keep you dry and warm. Tops and pants made with synthetic fabrics, like polypropylene and polyester, are excellent at this.
One material to avoid when choosing the base layer is cotton as it absorbs and retains sweat which will make you cold when the moisture cools.
Keeping Warm
On top of the base layer is the insulating layer. As the name suggests, this layer is primarily for retaining heat. If the temperature is moderate, a sweatshirt may be enough. For activities in colder conditions, a fleece jacket or vest is the best choice. Light and breathable, they can keep you warm while allowing moisture from your body to evaporate.
Select tops with zippers and mesh sides for ample ventilation. You can also consider a turtleneck-style top for better protection of your torso and neck.
No Matter the Weather
Take a wind-and-waterproof jacket with you when you head outside so you can stay warm even if the weather changes. When choosing a jacket, check the label to make sure it is wind-and-water-resistant. Stay away from items made of rubber or plastic because they don’t allow sweat to evaporate, which will make your body cold when the moisture builds up.
