Brazilian lost in the winter
Discussion
HI guys,
As stated in other posts, I recently came from Brazil after accepting a job offer in UK.
Me and my wife were thinking about not just moving country, but really changing lifestyle. We're both a little bit overweight, and we were thinking about walking (and then running) but we are not coragious enough to face the low temperatures (if compared to Brazil).
First of all, for heart/circulatory issues, is there any risk related to cold winter? AS sedentary people we will not go into fullpower mode, of course, but the low temperatures increase any risk?
I've already done my homework and have an idea of how to dress to exercise in the cold. Any further tips?
And one imnportant question for the fellow PHeads who are fathers: how to engage the 3year old into exercising?
Thanks in advance!
As stated in other posts, I recently came from Brazil after accepting a job offer in UK.
Me and my wife were thinking about not just moving country, but really changing lifestyle. We're both a little bit overweight, and we were thinking about walking (and then running) but we are not coragious enough to face the low temperatures (if compared to Brazil).
First of all, for heart/circulatory issues, is there any risk related to cold winter? AS sedentary people we will not go into fullpower mode, of course, but the low temperatures increase any risk?
I've already done my homework and have an idea of how to dress to exercise in the cold. Any further tips?
And one imnportant question for the fellow PHeads who are fathers: how to engage the 3year old into exercising?
Thanks in advance!
VPX, I think you're putting too much thought into this. Just put on a jacket, hat, scarf and gloves and go for a walk. The risks of staying indoors and doing nothing are much greater than those associated with getting outside and enjoying the fresh air.
If you want the walk to have health benefits, you'll have to go a little faster than usual but there's no need to be out of breath. Just try to maintain a brisk pace, walking with purpose.
As for your 3yr old, take him/her to the park. Let them play on the swings, slide, climbing frame or whatever. There is absolutely no need for a training regime for kids, just get them outside and let them play. Jacket, hat, scarf and gloves are all the specialist equipment that is required :-)
If you want the walk to have health benefits, you'll have to go a little faster than usual but there's no need to be out of breath. Just try to maintain a brisk pace, walking with purpose.
As for your 3yr old, take him/her to the park. Let them play on the swings, slide, climbing frame or whatever. There is absolutely no need for a training regime for kids, just get them outside and let them play. Jacket, hat, scarf and gloves are all the specialist equipment that is required :-)
VPXavier said:
Thanks McBook will keep that in mind. Lately I've been just walking 1.2 miles a day to work. Need to improve that.
For the child, I was thinking about taking him to walk with us, so the family can spend some time together. But he cant keep up, I believe...
I have kids the same age and they can't walk very fast. Also, it won't be much fun for them. Do something different with them like going to the park or playing a sport.For the child, I was thinking about taking him to walk with us, so the family can spend some time together. But he cant keep up, I believe...
1.2 miles every day seems like a good start! If you walk relatively quickly, that will get your fitness levels up for sure.
If you want to lose a lot of weight, you'll need to do more and look at your diet. But for a bit of light exercise, you already seem to be doing the right thing.
Don't worry about the cold weather, you'll get used to it eventually!
You'll be fine, honestly.
Take the little one to the park, on bike rides, whatever - you go at his pace. Go to the swimming pool as a family and take turns minding the littlun and having a 'serious' swim.
The one thing you may want to give a little thought to is winter driving, or at least, the hazards posed by idiots who aren't used to driving in icy conditions, because quite a lot of the country doesn't see much, which leaves everyone out of practise.
Take the little one to the park, on bike rides, whatever - you go at his pace. Go to the swimming pool as a family and take turns minding the littlun and having a 'serious' swim.
The one thing you may want to give a little thought to is winter driving, or at least, the hazards posed by idiots who aren't used to driving in icy conditions, because quite a lot of the country doesn't see much, which leaves everyone out of practise.
Not a parent, but I'm an uncle to a 3 year old, and he doesn't take much encouragement to be outside running about chasing imaginary dinosaurs, or riding his bike (hes already progressed to a pedal cycle without stabilisers - he came from a balance bike - I'm so proud!). So just take him to the park etc. My nephew isn't bothered by cold - if anything its a struggle getting him to put a coat and gloves on.
As for you and your wife, don't really bother "working up" to running - just go straight in. Walk for a minute, jog for a minute, etc etc. Then build to jogging for 2 minutes walking for one, etc etc. If you have a Parkrun nearby, get along to that - its really motivating, and they usually do paced runs for beginners.
As for clothing, its pretty personal I guess. I'm happy in shorts until about 5c - below that I break out some cheap running leggings. On top just a longsleeve merino wool base layer and a synthetic t-shirt. Where I really feel cold is my hands and head, so wool hat and gloves. I tend to keep wearing the gloves well into spring as the feeling of cold hands really makes the rest of me feel bad, even if I'm sweating hot overall!
However, until you have the stamina to keep running for a couple of miles it would be worth wearing more clothes, as if you are walking a lot you wont be generating enough warmth.
Just get out and do it!
As for you and your wife, don't really bother "working up" to running - just go straight in. Walk for a minute, jog for a minute, etc etc. Then build to jogging for 2 minutes walking for one, etc etc. If you have a Parkrun nearby, get along to that - its really motivating, and they usually do paced runs for beginners.
As for clothing, its pretty personal I guess. I'm happy in shorts until about 5c - below that I break out some cheap running leggings. On top just a longsleeve merino wool base layer and a synthetic t-shirt. Where I really feel cold is my hands and head, so wool hat and gloves. I tend to keep wearing the gloves well into spring as the feeling of cold hands really makes the rest of me feel bad, even if I'm sweating hot overall!
However, until you have the stamina to keep running for a couple of miles it would be worth wearing more clothes, as if you are walking a lot you wont be generating enough warmth.
Just get out and do it!
Thanks for the answers, chaps.
Will definitly get a balance bike to my son ASAP. I'd like to cycle, but my wife never learned to ride a bike.
The thing about the kid is just for spending more time together. I got a trampolin in my house and we go to parks frequently, so he is having enough exercise.
Regarding diet, I really changed that after coming to UK, and I am already felling the clothes less stretched. I am 6"2, and believe I am around 235lb. Last check in Brazil I was 253lb and 24.7% bodyfat.
About driving in the cold weather, not a problem. I am in auto industry and cold trips (sweden / north of USA) were common. Low μ driving is not a big problem.
Thanks one more time!
Will definitly get a balance bike to my son ASAP. I'd like to cycle, but my wife never learned to ride a bike.
The thing about the kid is just for spending more time together. I got a trampolin in my house and we go to parks frequently, so he is having enough exercise.
Regarding diet, I really changed that after coming to UK, and I am already felling the clothes less stretched. I am 6"2, and believe I am around 235lb. Last check in Brazil I was 253lb and 24.7% bodyfat.
About driving in the cold weather, not a problem. I am in auto industry and cold trips (sweden / north of USA) were common. Low μ driving is not a big problem.
Thanks one more time!
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