As an avid walker, I walk all year round. When winter sets in with its freezing cold temperatures and slick walking surfaces, my entire walking routine changes. Don’t get me wrong, I still go outside to walk several times a week but I prepare myself for the wintertime elements.
When it comes to getting outside for your physical fitness, it is important to remember these cold weather walking tips.
1. Always make sure you are well-hydrated before you head out. I typically drink a full 8 oz. glass of water or a sport’s drink 90 minutes before I head out. This allows me to be fully hydrated and to urinate before I walk out the door.
2. Always take something to drink with you. Even though it is cold outside and you don’t feel like drinking, take something along with you! While you are walking you can become over-heated and your body will need the fluids.
3. Dress in layers! I like to wear my under-clothing, then a camisole, tank or tee underneath my sweatshirt or hoodie. Underneath my leisure pants or jogging pants, I like to wear Cuddl Duds which are long-underwear for women. If I start to over-heat while walking, I can peel off the layers.
4. Select comfortable clothing made specifically for walking. I like to wear stretchy tops and bottoms that will breathe and move with me…while keeping me warm. I also tend to size-up when buying my wintertime walking clothing. This will allow me to layer and provides comfort when I am stretching, walking or doing my activities.
5. When it comes to purchasing footwear look for shoes or sneakers that are specifically made for walking. You want them to be well-cushioned, comfortable, warm and they must-have great tread on their soles to help prevent slipping and sliding.
6. Pick up a few cold weather accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, ear warmers and leg warmers to help keep you warm. If the temperatures are frigid outside, cover up your exposed skin to prevent frostbite.
7. Carry emergency supplies with you like your mobile phone, identification card, a little cash, etc. In case of an emergency you can call for help or if you tucker yourself out you can call for a ride home.
To help me with my cold weather fitness walking routine the great folks over at Kohls sent me a $100.00 gift card to pick up some new items that I needed. Here is what I selected and why I chose that piece.
1. Skechers Go Walk Original Slip-On Sneakers – These sneakers are built for walking! They are heavily cushioned with memory foam, feature flexible soles with great tread on their bottoms. They are easy to slip on & off and can be worn with other things in my wardrobe even when I am not out walking.
2. I picked up the Tek Gear Leisure Pants made out of cotton and spandex. They have an elastic waist and are cut in the fit & flare leg style. They have 2 front pockets so I can tuck my keys, phone, a little cash and some tissues in my pockets and be on my way. They are super comfortable and I can bed, stretch, squat and sit without any problems. I stayed true-to-size with them and I can still fit my Cuddl Duds underneath them.
3. From the Croft & Barrow line at Kohl’s (one of my favorite women’s apparel lines) I selected a white tee with an all-over gray floral print. I spoke about the importance of layering and this tee can be layered underneath my hoodie right now and then in the Spring & Summer worn alone. It is made out of cotton and I love how this tee fits my body.
4. Finally, I needed a new cold weather hat and selected a hat from the Dear Foams line that is lightly lined in fleece on the inside and has a knitted yarn type of fabrication on the outside. It is topped off with a darling pom-pom on the top and at the end of each strap. Oh my gosh, this hat is super soft and really keeps my head and ears warm!
All four of these items were purchased from Kohl’s just last week and all four of them are currently on-sale for a great price! For a total of $103.00 you can get my hat, tee, at-leisure pants and Skechers Go Walk Sneakers. Wow!
How many of you enjoy walking during the cold weather season? How often do you get outside to walk? Do you have any walking tips to share with me and our readers?
Disclaimer: Shelly received a $100.00 gift card to shop at Kohl’s to help support this article and tips piece personally written by Shelly for the Two Classy Chics blog. All thoughts, words and opinions are 100% her own and were not influenced by the sponsor.
the tee is very pretty , but my favorite is the Skechers Go Walk sneakers.. whenI know I am going to be outside in the cold weather I always dress in layers on top, but probably need to do it more on the bottom.. Thanks for the tips.
I am also a walker and try to get out on a daily basis. The only time I wont go is if there is ice on the ground. I’ve found layering my outfits to be the most helpful. I’m usually feeling cold when I start but before long especially if there are hills, I sure get warm.
First of all, I have to say that I love those shoes! For me, though, walking outside in winter means wearing boots, because of the snow, slush, and/or mud. Here in Maine, everyone has at least one pair of Bean Boots, those iconic rubber-soled leather-topped boots from LL Bean (although other brands have copy-cat versions). I’ve got three pairs: Step-ins, for quick trips to the mailbox when there’s not much snow, slightly-about-the-ankle boots for general use, and fleece-lined knee-high lace-ups for deep snow and days like today, when there’s a blizzard raging outside (but I won’t be taking a casual walk in the blizzard! LOL).
When there is snow on the ground, I do wear boots. However, here in PA…when there is NO snow on the ground I love to wear sneakers that are specifically made for walking.
I like your shoes! They are so cute! I always make sure to dress in layers and bring water with me. But it can be so hard to walk outside when some of the neighbors do not shovel their sidewalks. But I still have fun walking because it is the best exercise!
Love how comfy and moveable your outfit is. Thank you for this post, too. So important. I’m glad you talked a lot about hydrating and carrying a phone. Always important to make sure to wear gloves and a hat, tell someone you are going, and to take a phone. Be as prepared as you can be and stay safe and warm.
I love wearing layers. Thanks for the tips.
Great post I love to walk too and I love the look of these shoes I am going to have to check them out at Kohls thanks for sharing and stay warm.