Training when temperatures are lower sets in motion a mechanism in the muscles that allows you to burn more calories.
People who stop exercising outdoors when the temperature is low are missing out on some important benefits. In addition to the fact that outdoor exercise in winter helps release endorphins that keep the risk of depression away, training at low temperatures helps burn more calories.
WHY THE COLD BURNS MORE CALORIES
When it’s cold, more fat is “burned” because a peptide (scarcolipin) is activated in the muscles that help cells get energy from fatty acids instead of glucose, according to a study by the SBP Institute.
Therefore, stimulating this mechanism with exercise sessions in a cold environment reduces the risks of developing obesity. Training in the cold can double calorie combustion, compared to a warm temperature.
In addition, stopping training precisely when it is cold can inhibit this mechanism that only produces benefits.
Muthu Periasamy, lead author of the study published in Cell, explains that champion Michael Phelps trains in cold water, which allows him to consume 10,000 calories daily (necessary to sustain his training level) and remain athletic.
Therefore, stimulating this mechanism with exercise sessions in a cold environment reduces the risks of developing obesity. Training in the cold can double calorie combustion, compared to a warm temperature.
In addition, stopping training precisely when it is cold can inhibit this mechanism that only produces benefits.
Muthu Periasamy, lead author of the study published in Cell, explains that champion Michael Phelps trains in cold water, which allows him to consume 10,000 calories daily (necessary to sustain his training level) and remain athletic.