Courier Online - December 2018, SPORTS.
Athletes really have it hard when working out outdoors in the wintertime in the Buckeye state. From frostbite, to respiratory issues, mixed with constant snow, ice and chilling winds, there are many challenges athletes face during the cold, harsh winters.
Frostbite is one the biggest dangers, and the fingers, as well as the nose and face, are by far the most common parts of the body to get frostbite. This is because these are the most sensitive parts of the body.
Most athletes say the answer to prevent frostbite on the fingers, face and other parts of the body, is to simply cover up. While this method can certainly help, there are also other less known methods to stay safe and also prevent frostbite.
“My face is definitely the coldest part of my body when outside because it’s the hardest part to cover up”, XC and track runner Sam Simmons said.
One of these other ways to stay safe, is to avoid tight clothing. While many athletes like to wear compression shorts and pants, these tight clothing articles can restrict blood from flowing freely, and causing one to lose body heat.
Another way to prevent exposure to the cold is to do some of the workout indoors. Athletes can do their stretches, warm-up and cool down indoors. Doing this will reduce the amount of time they are outdoors, in the cold harsh temperatures.
Athletes should always warm up their muscles first before going out into the cold, according to go4life.nia.nih.gov.
“One thing many athletes don’t know, is that you shouldn't get too sweaty indoors if you plan to head outside right after. This is because all the sweat will dry up much faster when quicky exposed to the cold, and can cause you to become even colder,” boys XC and Track head coach Adam Walters said.
A smart way to set up one’s workout routine is to do the warm up indoors, do the main workout outside and come back indoors for the cool-down, and for core and lifting.
“I always like to do some stretching and little leg exercises before going outside,” XC and track runner Alex Kenish said.
For athletes looking to use athletic fields, snow and ice can be a big problem. If looking to simply practice skills, there are many ways to do so indoors, to avoid the large amount of snow and ice outside.
For athletes looking to practice lacrosse, soccer, football or other similar sport skills, they could easily take part in working on passing skills inside. Athletes don’t have to be just limited to practicing in a gym, as they can do skill work in just about any empty room. They could also work on individual skills inside as well, such as personal core exercises.
When practice fields and pathways are covered in snow and ice, the most simple solution is to wait until later in the afternoon to go out. This will at least give some time for the snow and ice to begin to melt.
“It is especially important to be careful when choosing which paths to run on when snow and ice may be present,” Walters said.
Be safe and be smart when you going outdoors into the cold. Be sure to warm up indoors, limit outside time, and wear lots of loose, warm clothing.
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