4 tips for staying warm playing winter sports

The winter months are no excuse to not be active and fit, but staying warm enough is a challenge. Here are four ways to stay warm while participating in winter sports.

• One way to stay snug during winter sports is to drink warm liquids. You can take warm liquids along in a large thermos and bring a few cups in case your teammates need to warm up.
• Not only will you be instantly warmed from the inside out, but you will also be maintaining your hydration levels, which is essential while performing physical activity outside during the winter months.
• Suggested liquids to fill your thermos with include hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup, or green tea.

• You can stay warm by using compression clothing. Wearing compression gear not only keeps you warm, but it can also enhance your athletic ability. You will want to wear your compression clothing under fleece or wool clothing. You'll also want to add water and wind proof outerwear to ensure warmth.
• Don't forget to wear gloves and thick socks to protect your fingers and toes against frostbite.
• Also, wearing a hat or skullcap is recommended to prevent heat loss and to decrease your risk of developing hypothermia.

• Eating carbohydrates helps the body stay warm. How? Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which boosts the body's metabolism, thus generating heat and raising the body's temperature.
• Some carbs you may want to eat before participating in winter sports include barley, brown rice, millet and oatmeal. Add cinnamon and ginger to your carbs to make you feel toasty and assist your body in producing heat.
• It's important to know that only complex carbs will help you stay warm, and not simple carbohydrates, such as cakes, milk chocolate, pasta made with white flour, and sodas.

• Don't be a bench-warmer. Warm yourself by giving it all you have while participating in your winter sport.
• By giving it your all, your body's blood flow and heart rate will increase, which will boost your body's temperature to make you feel warm and toasty.
• Just remember to warm up by stretching and walking for at least five minutes to decrease your risk of incurring an injury.