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Fitness Training in Cold Weather

So the weather has dropped significantly here in Kelowna over the last week. And I'm sure the rest of Canada is calling us weak for complaining about the weather when we have some of the mildest weathers in the country. But if we didn't talk and occasionally complain about the weather we really wouldn't be Canadian, would we? And before we either settle in for a complete season of hibernation or rush straight to continue our outdoor training there are a few things to consider with outdoor training in the winter. 1. Lower Relative HumidityWhen the mercury drops the cold air can hold less water and relative humidity drops. There is then a greater likelihood that we will lose water from our cells as a result to this difference. As a result we have to make sure to drink enough water prior to training and to continue to hydrate during exercise. Typically we only think to hydrate in warmer temperatures and forget to do so during the winter. Be aware of the increased need as a result of changes in humidity. 2. Nasal BreathingI remember when I was going to grad school in Regina riding my bike to the lab in the winter. It would be -35 C out and your extremities would be so cold. It would take forever for my toes, ears and nose to thaw out. And even though it was painfully cold you could only ride so fast. The reason you couldn't just sprint was that the air was so cold you couldn't inhale through your mouth and warm the air enough. It would reach you lungs still cold and feel as though pneumonia was inevitable. When you venture out in cold temperatures make sure to control your breathing enough so that you can in inhale mostly through your...

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