Cold Weather Exercises - Safety First For The Diabetic

Even with the best of intentions, many people just lack the motivation to carry on with their outdoor exercise program during the cold months of the winter. Although, dropping your program just isn't a very good idea for your own health and safety, curling up beside a roaring fire with a snuggly blanket and a cup of hot cocoa just seems to be more becoming to the imagination.

But a consistent exercise program has numerous benefits to prevent several future possible diabetic complications. Several of the main advantages are:
helps to reduce the rise in your blood sugar levels when testing (or not testing) on that glucose meterit is an effective weight loss and appetite control strategyrelieves much of the muscle and joint pain common to diabetes allowing the continuous flow of oxygenated blood to pass smoothly to all the body's extremities

Staying Safe During The Winter Workout

If the idea of the treadmill in front of the television or the local gym's numerous classes is just not your idea of the ideal exercise program, with some careful pre-planning to ensure your safety, you can still follow an effective but improved daily workout regimen.
pile on the layers of clothing - As your body temperature heats up during the routine, shed one or two pieces by easily removing them and tie them around your waist or neck.
avoid dark clothing unless you wear reflective arm, leg or chest bands during the early morning or late afternoon/evening hours. Always help yourself by ensuring your easy visibility with any passing drivers.
wear appropriate footwear for the current weather conditions. Good fitting sneakers with excellent traction is a necessity during icy and snowy weather.
warm up your body itself before venturing outside. Try taking a warm/hot shower or drink a cup of hot broth-based soup. The digestive process itself actually fuels your energy reserves during your workout.
do not forget to carry along a source of fresh water even in cold weather exercise. The excess perspiration as you workout and the extra heavy breathing in cold weather both add up to an increased loss of bodily fluids, thus an increased risk of dehydration.

If all else fails and the weather is just too nasty for a day or two outside, waiting for another bright sunny day can be achieved by falling back on the treadmill and TV just until mother nature offers up another beautiful, crisp winter day.