Working Out In Hot Vs. Cold Climates

Exercise is important year-round, and if you are sticking to a specific workout regimen, you need to be ready for anything the weather can throw at you. The benefits of working out in hot vs cold climates can vary, and the type of sportswear you will want around will also change with the weather.

Hot Climates

Working out in hot climates can have a number of benefits. Though it may sound counterintuitive, working out in extreme heat can actually help improve your performance in cold climates. A 2010 study took 20 trained cyclists and put them through 10 days of moderate workouts. They were divided into two groups, one training in 104-degree Fahrenheit heat and the other in a cooler 55-degrees Fahrenheit. After 10 days, all 20 cyclists were brought together to be tested at 55 degrees. The heat-trained cyclists were able to ride 6% faster in the cool environment, while also producing 5% more aerobic power, 5% more power output at lactate threshold, and 9.1% more cardiac output.

As you grow accustomed to training in higher temperatures, your blood plasma volume increases. This increases the amount of blood going to your heart and the amount of blood going to your skin to help it cool. Studies have found it takes about 7 to 10 days to see this acclimation take hold.

What To Wear

Styling for hot climates can vary between people. While some want to have as much skin exposed to the air as possible, some like to cover up to help wick away sweat. Our sports bras and Shape Shorts are great choices for staying cool in hot weather and will keep you looking cute all day. Many of our leggings and tops feature moisture-wicking fabrics to help absorb sweat and evaporate it faster to keep your clothes dry and your body cool. If you want to increase your temperature to help warm up your muscles faster, wearing a hoodie during your workout can help.

Cold Climates

In cold climates, it is possible to work out for longer periods of time than in hot climates. This is because your body is able to regulate its temperature better than in the heat, extending your workout time. This can let you burn more calories by extending your workout or making it more intense than you would have approached in a hot climate.

Exercising in cold climates might also help you burn more fat. Some studies have indicated that every day white fat like belly fat and thigh fat is transformed into "beige fat" in cold months. This allows your body to burn more calories rather than converting them into fat tissue. Your body will also react to the cold weather by burning fat as a fuel to keep you warm.

There are some downsides to working out in the cold. When muscles get cold, they are unable to produce the same amount of force that they can while warm. This can also raise the risk of injury, but this risk can be reduced through proper stretches and warm up exercises before working out.

What To Wear

Staying warm without overheating is important for any environment. There are a number of ways to style for cold climates while still taking advantage of the benefits of cold weather workouts. Combining body suits with crop hoodies can give you protection from the elements without overheating, ensuring you have a great workout in any environment.

Now that you know what it is like to work out in hot vs cold climates, you can determine if either is right for you. Exercising in extreme temperatures isn't for everyone, so be sure to take precautions before attempting either climate. Always stay hydrated and be prepared for any accidents that can occur.