5 Surprising Benefits of Running
in Cold Weather

The most challenging part of running in cold weather is getting motivated to get out there and run. However, when you realize just how beneficial cold weather running can be for your body and improving your running performance, you may be eagerly awaiting your next cold weather run.

5 Benefits of Running in Cold Weather

1. Burn Unwanted Body Fat

Our bodies are comprised of various types of fat including brown fat and white fat. In recent studies scientists have determined that brown fat is a more desirable fat than white fat. When brown fat is stimulated it burns calories and lean people tend to have more brown fat than overweight people. It is also now thought to be more like muscle than fat. 

Studies also show that brown fat is more active in colder temperatures, resulting in increased calorie burning. When brown fat is activated, it burns white fat and turns it into brown fat. So remind yourself the next time you are running in freezing cold temperatures that you are not only burning more calories but you are changing your body's fat composition too!

2. Strengthen Your Heart

Because blood vessels constrict to maintain core body heat, the heart needs to work harder to distribute blood to our extremities when running in cold weather. This is one of the reasons why running in the winter feels harder.

For this reason don't expect to achieve faster times during the colder months. However, if you do train in cold weather, get ready for faster times when it gets warmer. Training in cold temperatures will result in better performances when conditions are warmer. 

3. Feel Happier

During the cold winter months, you can eliminate the risk of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by staying active and running outside regularly. Exposing yourself to the sun will also help you increase Vitamin D levels so you feel happier all year around.

Try to make the most of the short daylight hours by squeezing in lunchtime runs when possible and weekend runs in the daylight. 

4. Burn More Calories

When our body is exposed to cold temperatures, it burn calories just to stay warm and maintain body heat. So take advantage of the opportunity that the cold weather provides to burn more calories and go running!

5. Increase Your Metabolism

Cold weather running feels harder than running in warmer temperatures. This is because the body has to work harder just to stay warm. This requires the use of precious energy which is normally reserved for running. However, this cold weather training will increase your metabolic rate and result in more calorie burning. Say good-bye to those few extra pounds you have been trying to lose!

Become a Cold Weather Runner!

So what's not to love about running in cold weather? Just remember to use common sense if the temperatures get really cold. Stay hydrated, dress in layers and try to practice nose breathing to help regulate the temperature of the air before it goes to your lungs.

Read more about how to stay safe and comfortable during winter in these posts: 

So how about you? Do you usually run outdoors in the colder months of the winter or do you opt for the treadmill instead? Will you be running in cold weather this winter? 

We would love to hear about your winter training plans. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Back to Top

1. Home
2. Winter Running
3. Running in Cold Weather

Print this page

FTC Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying  purchases.
Learn more.

Recent Articles

• 

1. Second toes black nail

   May 09, 23 10:58 AM

   I would appreciate any idea or tip(s) so as to overcome second toe black nails on my right and left foot under certain circumstances. Given the following:

   Read More

2. A Common Barefoot Running Injury

   May 01, 23 02:20 PM

   
   This common barefoot running injury can be avoided when you know the cause and how to prevent it. And I know this from experience!

   Read More

3. How to Overcome Race Performance Anxiety

   Apr 14, 23 01:27 PM

   
   How does race performance anxiety affect you? Are you feeling excited and looking forward to the race you’ve been training for, or do you just wish it was over?

   Read More

4. Where to run in Hurghada, Egypt!

   Apr 04, 23 06:14 AM

   
   Running in a new area is both exciting and a little scary. What will I see during this run? What will I discover? Hurghada kindly provided a few surprises and a hidden 'trail'!

   Read More

5. The Best Way to Carry Your Phone While Running!

   Mar 21, 23 11:51 AM

   
   Do you wish there was a simpler, more discreet way to carry even your large phone while running? Are you frustrated with phone carriers for runners that are bulky and uncomfortable?

   Read More

6. The Link Between Nutrition and Exercise Performance: Healthy Habits for Runners

   Mar 08, 23 08:07 AM

   
   A nutritionally balanced body is essential to a runner’s health and performance. Enhance your overall performance with these healthy habits to support the physical pressures experienced during runnin…

   Read More

7. Develop Mental Strength for Running with Shambhala meditation!

   Mar 07, 23 04:43 AM

   
   Shambhala meditation is a simple meditation practice that can easily be used as a method of mental strength training during running. Learn how to tame your wild horse!

   Read More

8. How to Enjoy Running More!

   Feb 24, 23 11:22 AM

   
   Experts say the best way to increase the enjoyment of any experience is to change how we think while we are doing it. The easiest way to change our thoughts while running is by using positive affirma…

   Read More

9. What is the Real Cause of Running Injuries?

   Feb 18, 23 08:53 AM

   
   Another running injury? What is the cause this time--weak hip flexors, too much training, incorrect shoes, not enough stretching? Maybe we are looking in the completely wrong direction for the answer…

   Read More

10. The Best Way to Carry Your Phone While Running!

    Feb 01, 23 10:29 AM

    
    Do you wish there was a simpler, more discreet way to carry even your large phone while running? Are you frustrated with phone carriers for runners that are bulky and uncomfortable?

    Read More

×

Want to Enjoy Running More?
Download Our Free Running Affirmations Audio Set!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

I am at least 16 years of age. I have read and accept the Privacy Policy. I understand that you will use my information to send me emails.

I promise to keep your email address secure and only use it to send you VIP Club Editions. You can unsubscribe at any time!