Just because summer is over does not mean that outdoor activity has to stop. Although many people move their workout routines into the gym come winter time, plenty of die-hard runners and outdoor enthusiasts keep going even after the temperature starts dropping. This is fine; there is no reason to stop being outside just because it is chilly, or even wet out.
At some point though, you may notice that vigorous outdoor activity, such as running, has its drawbacks. It can be harder to warm up once the weather gets colder, and you may find that you suffer from more aches and pains. A bad knee or old injury may flare up. Another fairly common occurrence is chest pain.
Why Do I Get Chest Pain When I Run In Cold Weather?
Breathing in cold air is the primary culprit. When you breath in through your nose, the air gets warmed and moisturized by the small blood vessels in your nasal cavity. By the time the air reaches your lungs it is warmed up, making it easy for your body to accept.
However, many people breathe through their mouths when running. The shallow breaths of cold air through the mouth irritate the airways and can cause chest pain.
Some people may suffer from cold-induced asthma. While it may not be a problem during the warmer months, the cold air and exercise combination may trigger the wheezing, chest pain and coughing associated with asthma.
In some cases, the pain may indicate a larger problem. If you suddenly find yourself experiencing chest pain during or after vigorous activity, you should contact your doctor to rule out any problems.
What Can I Do About Exercise-Induced Chest Pain?
In most cases, the pain will go away once you slow down and relax. To avoid the pain, the best suggestion is to breath through your nose when running or exercising, or to wrap a scarf around your mouth.
If the problem is exercise-induced asthma, you may need to take medication to control symptoms.
Should I Move My Workout Indoors?
If you are not a fan of working out in cold weather, or it doesn't agree with your body, that's okay. Revamp your winter routine at the local gym. At the Downtown Athletic Club, you will find state of the art equipment, amazing instructors and personal trainers, a variety of classes and even massage therapists on hand.
At some point though, you may notice that vigorous outdoor activity, such as running, has its drawbacks. It can be harder to warm up once the weather gets colder, and you may find that you suffer from more aches and pains. A bad knee or old injury may flare up. Another fairly common occurrence is chest pain.
Why Do I Get Chest Pain When I Run In Cold Weather?
Breathing in cold air is the primary culprit. When you breath in through your nose, the air gets warmed and moisturized by the small blood vessels in your nasal cavity. By the time the air reaches your lungs it is warmed up, making it easy for your body to accept.
However, many people breathe through their mouths when running. The shallow breaths of cold air through the mouth irritate the airways and can cause chest pain.
Some people may suffer from cold-induced asthma. While it may not be a problem during the warmer months, the cold air and exercise combination may trigger the wheezing, chest pain and coughing associated with asthma.
In some cases, the pain may indicate a larger problem. If you suddenly find yourself experiencing chest pain during or after vigorous activity, you should contact your doctor to rule out any problems.
What Can I Do About Exercise-Induced Chest Pain?
In most cases, the pain will go away once you slow down and relax. To avoid the pain, the best suggestion is to breath through your nose when running or exercising, or to wrap a scarf around your mouth.
If the problem is exercise-induced asthma, you may need to take medication to control symptoms.
Should I Move My Workout Indoors?
If you are not a fan of working out in cold weather, or it doesn't agree with your body, that's okay. Revamp your winter routine at the local gym. At the Downtown Athletic Club, you will find state of the art equipment, amazing instructors and personal trainers, a variety of classes and even massage therapists on hand.
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