It’s not always easy to know what to wear when you’re exercising outside in McKinney. Sometimes it looks far warmer than it is and you have to go home after a few minutes to add an extra jacket. Other times, you’re prepared for the cold, only to find you’re way too warm. There’s a solution to this problem, just layer up for fall. Even if you dress appropriately for the weather, once you start exercising, your body warms and you’ll want to shed clothing.
There’s a secret to layering.
It’s not really a secret, but learning how to layer is a skill you’ll want to learn. The undermost layers should be made of wicking material, which is sometimes called DriFit or other trade names. It pulls the moisture from perspiration away from your skin and prevents that uncomfortable wet feeling. The wicking action also helps prevent a chill that comes from damp clothing. Atop that layer, put the one for warmth. Based on the outside temperature, it could be anything from a sweatshirt to a far warmer jacket. Atop it all, consider a rain slicker or windbreaker. Let the weather dictate which one to use.
If you’re dressed for the gym, add a layer to stay warmer.
If you’re like many of my clients, you dress at home to save time. What you wear to the gym is what you wear to workout. That’s not always the best choice. One of two things can occur. Either you chill coming into the gym, creating stiffer muscles that require more warmup, or you sweat profusely and uncomfortably during your workout. Again, layering is the route to go.
Exercising outside doesn’t just mean running or working out.
Fall is my favorite time of the year. The weather is cooler and brisk, refreshing me every minute I’m outside. There’s so much to do, too. I love going apple picking or hunting for the perfect pumpkin at those pick-it-yourself places. Don’t kid yourself, it’s definitely exercise and can be hard work, particularly if you search for the best. Seeing the changing colors with a hike in the woods is also a huge treat. Bicycling, hiking and even an outside picnic can bring enjoyment to the whole family, plus provide a great deal of exercise for those days away from the gym. Ensuring everyone has layers will help prevent premature endings to your adventures.
- When exercising outside, don’t forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection. Not only does it help prevent squinting, it can protect your eyes from UV rays that cause cataracts, too.
- You can create a DIY poncho from a leaf bag that folds up in your pocket, so you’re prepared for anything, even rain. There are also hooded plastic ponchos that fold to minuscule size and carry in case of a sudden downpour.
- The only difference between rainy weather layering and cold weather layering is the weight of the garments. In cold weather use midweight wicking top and bottom for the first layer and midweight fleece for the second. In rainy weather, use lightweight.
- Don’t forget gloves or mittens and warm socks. Many of my clients find they need warm socks and gloves when the weather gets brisk in order to be comfortable.