Autumn starts today, and you may notice that your early-morning runs are cooling off. Moving tight muscles in frigid temps is a great way to pull a muscle, so here's a little tip I picked up from my running buddies. Before a long run in the cold, warm up your muscles with a hot shower. I know it may seem a little weird to take a shower before you get all sweaty, but it really works. You can do some gentle stretches in the shower while the hot stream massages your neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs. It doesn't have to be long, just five minutes or so, then you can dry yourself off, put on your gear, and head out the door feeling warm and refreshed.
Fit's Tip: If it's really chilly outside, don't wet your hair before your workout since that'll make you cold.
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Running Tip: Take a Hot Shower Before a Run
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I'm sure it helps, FIT, but I have a tough enough time getting up in the morning without an extra shower...I will risk it without taking a hot shower.
1you know, i never really thought about this but it does make a lot of sense. i think that i've i'm inclined to take an early morning jog then i'll do that. i usually go to the gym in the AM though since i'm not all about the pitch black running.
2being all hot and relaxed makes me want to crawl back into bed and not into my running pants. sometimes being cold makes me want to pump harder to stay warm. i think it depends on how your body reacts to temperatures (maybe even depends on where you live/climate)
3lilCROAT - I feel that way sometimes too, like "I'm freezing, maybe I should run faster." It's a pretty decent motivator.
4i was brought up that it's not ok to go out after bath or a shower. getting a cold and pneumonia and stuff, especially in cold wheather.
5It makes sense, but a hot shower always makes me feel sleepy and relaxed. I'd probably fall asleep while lacing up. LOL
6Aren't you worried about wasting water??
7yeah, this is very wasteful. Just do some jumping jacks and stretches.
8i ran all through the New England winter last year and it was BRUTAL. not gonna lie. 4 degree days! i don't know if a hot shower would help me or make me want to crawl back into bed, as another poster already said. i suppose its worth a shot, but that would mean getting up EVEN earlier!
9This seems a bit wasteful to me too. Waste of time AND water...I have to get up at 2:30 to get my workout in before work and I barely have time for my after-workout shower (which lasts all of 3 minutes). So although this is a kind of good-sounding tip, I'll have to pass.
10I would have to shower before my run, after my run, and later that day when I remove my makeup and hair products...Al Gore would cry!
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