How to dress for a workout in winter weather
The best way to prepare for bad weather is by learning about it. Military personnel are always prepared because they know that even the worst conditions can be improved with preparation and knowledge of how your gear will affect you in each type or situation, no matter what Mother Nature throws at them!
The outsiders' perception may not always line up perfectly with reality - think back on all those times when someone told you "there's no such thing as bad weather". Yeah right...
No matter the weather, it’s important that you don’t use this as an excuse to not exercise. It’s important to keep active and stay motivated so that you can achieve your goals. Therefore, good planning and preparation can help you achieve this.
A systematic approach to garments and using layering system will enable you to be prepared to train in any condition.
Now, the first step is to plan ahead and check what the weather forecast looks like. If it’s raining, ensure you are wearing suitable footwear, gloves and water resistant layers.
If the temperature drops and it’s really cold, then think about layering and covering your extremities. You should also consider the wind chill factor, which can have a big impact on how you feel when training outdoors in the winter.
Below, we will outline various garments that you can purchase to build your layering system. We will also recommend various clothing options that you can purchase from our Battle Gear store to ensure you’re ready for anything.
Base layers and leggings
Your base layer should be the first layer of clothing against your skin. Typically, this should be worn underneath other garments as outlined below. A good base layer can benefit you in many ways. It will keep you warmer in the winter, it can help increase your performance and also aids recovery.
The BB tactical range offers a selection of base layers and leggings that are both tight fitting with a stretch fit to fit your body type. This will maximise the benefits above and ensure you remain comfortable during your classes.
Mid layer
Mid layers are designed to be worn over a base layer and under an out garment based on the conditions that you train in. The mid layer provides insulation to regulate your body temperature. A good mid layer will have wicking properties to keep your base layer dryer and keep you more comfortable.
Your BB session t-shirt will act as a perfect mid layer and we have many options and colours to choose from. For your legs, a pair of leggings will mostly be fine, however you may wish to wear a pair of training shorts over the top.
In relatively mild autumn conditions, a base layer and mid layer should be enough to keep you warm and comfortable during your sessions. When it gets considerably colder, you may want to think about changing your t-shirt mid layer for a light fleece or longer sleeve top.
When it gets wet or colder, you should start to think about an outer layer which we will talk about in the next section.
Outer layer
Your outer layer should be predominantly used to protect you from the wind or rain. There are two types of garments we would recommend for training in these conditions.
By preventing moisture getting into your base layer and mid layer, the outer layer lets them wick moisture away from your skin. For your layering system to work well, your outer layer must be both waterproof and breathable. This stops rain from entering but allows sweat vapour to escape.
Soft Shell
A soft shell top uses a variety of technologies, however they are primarily focused on breathability and manouverability. Soft shells offer stretch to maximise comfort and will have a degree of water resistance. This makes them a perfect outer layer for light rain or windy conditions.
In heavier rain, we should consider a hard shell top.
Hard Shell
Hard shells are made from laminated membranes and offer better waterproof protection than a soft shell. A lightweight hard shell is recommended for Bootcamp classes as they will be more breathable and ensure you don’t get too hot during a class.
Headwear
A lot of your body heat can escape through your head, so wearing a hat or hood in very cold conditions can make a huge difference. These are often thought of as an after item, however they should be essentials to your training.
Using a hoodie as a mid layer can work in some conditions however a training cap of beanie hat will be more comfortable during your training session.
Extremities (gloves and socks)
For extremely cold and wet conditions, suitable gloves and socks can also keep you more comfortable. Having cold feet and hands can quickly affect your morale and have a negative impact on your training session.
Gloves
Opting for a waterproof glove is highly recommended, however it needs to be lightweight and breathable too. You also need to consider the grip on the glove you choose so that you can handle any equipment used during the sessions correctly and safely.
We recommend SealSkinz brand as a suitable glove of choice. They are relatively expensive, but if you look after them they will last you years and ensure you’re comfortable during your classes.
Socks
Likewise to gloves, having good socks can improve your comfort when exercising in the winter.
Generally, normal running and sports socks are absolutely fine for the type of training that we do. However, in really wet and boggy conditions, investing in a pair of waterproof socks can massively improve your comfort.
Again, we recommend SealSkinz products for extreme conditions. We also provide a range of waterproof socks that will do the job.
Footwear
We’ve saved one of the most important pieces of clothing until last. Having the correct footwear in adverse conditions can make a huge difference to your session.
Wearing gym trainers with flat or smooth soles are just not suitable for outdoor training.
You should be looking for a trainer that is suitable for trail running and will provide good support and grip for your Bootcamp sessions. You may also want to consider opting for a Gore-Tex model which are waterproof and will keep your feet dry.
The gold standard that we recommend are either Nike Pegasus 3 GTX or Salomon Speedcross shoes. These come in both male and female versions, offer excellent grip, ensure maximum stability and will keep you comfortable in most conditions.
We also recommend Inov8 and Brooks which offer similar levels of quality and performance.<
With a good online search, you will find some good deals out there.
Conclusion
In summary, we have outlined the recommended clothing layering system for Bootcamp classes in winter conditions. Remember that good preparation before each class and wearing the right gear, the right way, will maximise your comfort and performance during sessions. This will enable you to work to your limits and continue to improve your fitness even in the most adverse conditions.
We hope this blog post has been helpful for you!
We can help provide all of the right gear so that no matter what the weather throws at us we'll be ready with a smile on our faces! Find out more by visiting our online shop today.