In which sport to take refuge when it's cold?

Jean-Marc Delorme, edited by Sonia Chemaa 8:08 p.m., December 07, 2021

We're not going to hide it.

The cold doesn't help us take out our sneakers and fitness accessories.

And yet, maintaining a sporting activity in winter provides benefits and advantages, provided certain practices are followed.

Starting with the warm-up.

"When it is cold, the blood vessels retract. The diameter of the veins and arteries will be reduced to preserve the temperature. The body tries to keep an acceptable temperature", analyzes the sports coach Jean-Marc Delorme on Europe 1. The muscles are therefore less irrigated and the warm-up, much longer. 

Winter, a good time for endurance sports

Another advantage: losing more calories.

Myth or reality ?

"In fact, we really need to reach temperatures that are a little extreme" for this phenomenon to occur, qualifies the coach.

Not enough to motivate the troops ... But good news, if the cold does not favor the appearance of a slim figure, it still boosts endurance.

"Below 10 degrees, the heartbeat tends to drop by five beats per minute. So the cold is pretty good for everything that is endurance sports: jogging, cycling outdoors, etc. in addition to reducing inflammation and "little pains".

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A warm-up that must last longer

Be careful, however, not to make any wrong moves. Because if cryotherapy is known to be a temporary remedy against sports injuries, playing sports in winter still presents risks. "The muscles are less supplied with blood, so they are much more fragile. Hence the warm-up which must last longer. We will avoid all that is exercises with large articular amplitude because, obviously, flexibility is also involved. affected. " No yoga outside, then. Prefer heated rooms. 

The joints are to be watched, as well as the lungs which, too, take a hit.

"In hot weather and very cold, we are still careful," warns Jean-Marc Delorme.

"If we are going to run, we do not take the hours of rush hour. We try to favor times when there is less exhaust fumes."

The three-layer rule for dressing well

To limit the risks to your health and thermal shock as much as possible, you must arm yourself well.

With, first of all, an appropriate outfit.

"It is always the rule of the three layers", indicates the coach.

The first is the t-shirt.

Opt for synthetic, to "soak up the sweat".

For the other two layers: "A technical fleece and then a waterproof jacket" which will protect against the wind.

Also think about the ends.

Among the essentials: the hat, gloves, a neck strap, thick socks (and not doubles) and leggings, to preserve the muscles.

"No shorts, please."

It is also important to remember to hydrate.