A study by Japanese researchers published in the ‘ Journal of Sports Medicine’ shows that there isn’t much of a downside in exercising during rainy weather. You work harder and get colder in the rain conditions, but you also burn off a little more energy. So if you have been avoiding your long walks or keeping fit because of the rains, you really might have to suck it up and get back out there.
However, you only need to arm yourself with these tips:
- Walk instead of your usual run or jog. If you must run lightly, make sure you are on ‘safe’ tracks in parks rather than near vehicles. Avoid an activity like hiking because slippery courses could lead to trouble. For an activity like Golf, rain isn’t a real problem. However, when it rains, there is a chance of lightening strikes because of the flat terrain and little protection.
- Check the weather. It’s much easier to walk in a little drizzle than a full on downpour. Be patient and wait for a bad shower to pass before heading outside.
- Unless it’s a deliberate walk in the rains, you don’t need to get soaked. Get a pair of shorts or pants made of waterproof material. Wear a water and windproof raincoat or a lightweight jacket made of breathable material that will keep you dry.
- Invest in some waterproof footwear to keep you dry, and wear wicking socks with them. Moisture wicking socks are specially designed to keep feet dry during outdoor and physical activities. As with other moisture wicking clothing, these socks are usually made of synthetic materials that help transfer moisture from the foot to the sock’s outer layers to keep feet dry. Wet feet are more prone to blisters.
- Wear a cap to prevent water from dripping all over your face, and/or wear sunglasses (unless you’ve got out late in the evening) to prevent water droplets from spraying in your eyes.
- Make sure your clothes are brightly colored so cars can see you in dull light.
- If you like to listen to music while exercising/walking, make sure your iPod or similar electronic equipment is in a waterproof case.
- Head inside immediately if you hear thunder or see lightening. Being struck by lightening may be rare, but it does happen. There’s always a better time to step out again.