How to get your heart rate up during the winter months

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How to train in the cold

Training in the cold can give you a surprising amount of energy – and can actually be more effective than many workouts you do indoors. With the right preparation, smart clothing choices, and good routines, winter training can become safer, more motivating, and more effective. Here you’ll find practical tips on how to get your heart rate up outdoors in the winter cold, no matter the temperature.

Dress appropriately for winter training

When training outdoors in winter, the layer-on-layer principle is key. The right clothing allows your body to regulate temperature and moisture even as intensity changes. Good circulation, ventilation, and freedom of movement are essential for staying comfortable during cold-weather workouts.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Start with a moisture-wicking baselayer that keeps your skin dry.
Add an insulating midlayer that retains heat without becoming too tight.
Finish with a windproof and breathable outer layer that protects against the elements..
Ensure your clothing allows free movement so your training feels natural.

The right clothing reduces the risk of hypothermia and makes winter training more enjoyable.

Baselayer

Midlayer

Shellclothing

Warm up your body before increasing the pace

Cold muscles need more time to get ready for activity. That’s why a thorough warm-up is especially important when training outdoors in winter. It improves technique, lowers the risk of injury, and gives you a much more comfortable start to your session.

An effective warm-up can include:

Easy walking or light jogging for 5–10 minutes.
Dynamic movements that activate the hips, ankles, and shoulders.
Gradual increases in pace until your body feels warm and flexible.

Once your body is ready, winter training will also feel easier and more motivating.

Avoid standing still in the cold

Winter temperatures cause your body to lose heat more quickly when you stop – especially if you’ve already started to sweat. To keep your training safe and comfortable, it’s important to minimize breaks along the way.

Good winter habits:

Keep breaks short.
Move lightly even when resting.
Plan your session so you don’t need many interruptions.

This makes a big difference for both comfort and performance when training outdoors in winter.

Adapt your training to winter conditions

Weather and surface conditions affect how a training session should be carried out. Wind, terrain and temperature influence your pace, safety, and choice of route.

Check this before heading out:

Feels-like temperature.
Surface conditions: dry snow, wet snow, hard-packed snow, or ice.
Whether you need extra traction on your shoes.
Whether a more sheltered route, such as a forest trail, might offer better conditions.

Adjusting your session to the conditions makes winter training more effective and less demanding.

Finish your training the right way

When you’re done with your session, it’s wise to put on a warm layer right away. Dry clothes and something warm to drink help your body transition comfortably from activity to rest.

Small steps like these make it easier to stick to your routine – and increase the chances that you’ll continue training in the cold even on the chilliest days.

Why choose cold-weather training?

Winter training gives you fresh air, mental energy, and a unique sense of peace and connection with nature. It requires a bit more preparation, but the reward is great: improved fitness, more energy, and a strong feeling of mastery.

Winter offers many opportunities to get your heart rate up outdoors. With some planning and the right choices, you can create training experiences that last the entire season.