Winter is a time when most people tend to eat more but exercise less. But one should not ignore physical activity to stay healthy. Exposure to sunlight and fresh air in the early morning while walking or running can help you to ward off lethargy and make you more productive during the day.
Dr Saleh bin Saif al Hinai, senior consultant in family medicine, tweeted recently that exercising in cold weather has many health benefits, including burning fat. Studies have shown that exercising in cold weather helps burn more calories as the body makes a greater effort to keep warm.
A study conducted by the Canadian Lawrence University showed that the best period to get rid of body bulge and strengthen the immune system is winter. This holds true for countries like Oman when scorching summers make outdoor exercises.
The results of the study revealed that burning fat during winter is on average 358 per cent greater than in moderate weather, when the temperature is about 21 degrees Celsius. Although the intensity of exercise is also important, the temperature of the environment plays an essential role in reducing weight.
Overweight people between the ages of 18 and 30 participated in the study. During the exercise, the researchers recorded the test subjects’ pulse, blood sugar level, and body temperature. The amount of oxygen emitted by the thigh muscles was also measured, and after exercise, the participants received a rich drink with proteins and carbohydrates, followed by a rich fat-rich breakfast.
Avoid winter weight gain In the cold months, it is very easy to turn to comfort foods, because they are very satisfying and make us feel happy. This is why winter is usually a period of weight gain, with the average person gaining 4 kg during these months. Therefore, to stabilise your weight, you must return to healthy habits through regular exercise and healthy meal replacements, to combat the excess sugar and calories that we may consume.
Get sunshine vitamin While there are a limited number of foods that can provide your body with vitamin D, the easiest source is exposure to sunlight. Sunlight strengthens bones and muscles, takes care of your skin and keeps your immune system strong.
Ensure blood circulation and keep you warm Sports in winter warm up your body naturally as the rise in your body temperature during exercise has a calming effect on your body.
Strengthens immunity Regular exercise strengthens your immune system so it can fight off the flu. When you exercise and get your blood pumping, immune cells circulate in your body more quickly to help find and eliminate infections. But this only lasts for a few hours, so exercise should be regular for long term benefits.
Reduces depression daily exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that relieve stress and helps relieve depression and anxiety. Various studies have also proven that exercising in winter makes the brain obtain more energy, which in turn improves brain performance. Other studies have also shown that memory performance is better in cold weather.
Many people are ignorant of the importance of exercising, especially in the winter. Specialists advise taking advantage of this season to make exercise an essential part of daily life, because of its significant impact on health.
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