Staying Active and Warm in the Winter
By Holly Pommett
December 10, 2025
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/tantetati-77004/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1156619">Kati</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1156619">Pixabay</a>
Winter is often a difficult time to get outside for exercise, especially as the cold and shorter days settle in. However, getting active during this season is imperative for improved immunity, better mood, and unique advantages to health. The key to enjoying winter activity lies in proper preparation to stay warm and having the right information to understand the benefits.
UMass Memorial Health doctors recommend any type of moisture-wicking, synthetic material base for proper insulation, followed by a natural insulation material like wool, and finally something with the capability to keep out wind, snow, or rain when it comes to clothing. Synthetic base layers work effectively in winter because they draw sweat away from the skin, which prevents rapid heat loss once the skin encounters cold air. Natural materials trap heat.
Covering the extremities is important, as heat escapes rapidly through these areas of the body. UMass Memorial Health doctors also recommend gloves, hats and warm socks, since the hands, head and feet lose warmth the fastest.
It is also necessary to warm up the inside of the body through smaller exertions like jumping jacks, leg swings, or dynamic stretching, which are a series of controlled movements to take muscles through the full range of motion. These actions help to avoid muscle strain and injury once outside, according to doctors at UMass Memorial Health.
University Hospitals also reported that cold exposure can help transform stubborn white fat, the kind that sits around the belly and thighs, into calorie-burning brown fat that the body naturally minimizes with age. This is optimal for those with a specific physique goal in mind, like sophomore UMD finance majors Owen Sheffield and Morgan Kim.
“I think for me, I just always envision myself in the future, and I always feel better after a workout,” said Sheffield.
Kim also commented, saying “I stay active in the winter so that I can look nice when I go out.”
Outside, the body can also receive small doses of vitamin D, an essential vitamin that helps boost mood. “The way that I stay motivated to work out outside even during the cold winter days is that I think vitamin D and positive energy from the sun is really important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Working out outside ensures that I stay physically fit,” said Maia Benjoseph, a sophomore general biology student.
Overall, activity in the winter is extremely beneficial for mood, energy levels and health during the long months. With the right clothing, preparation and a positive mindset, a renewed appreciation of the season can be discovered.
UMass Memorial Health doctors recommend any type of moisture-wicking, synthetic material base for proper insulation, followed by a natural insulation material like wool, and finally something with the capability to keep out wind, snow, or rain when it comes to clothing. Synthetic base layers work effectively in winter because they draw sweat away from the skin, which prevents rapid heat loss once the skin encounters cold air. Natural materials trap heat.
Covering the extremities is important, as heat escapes rapidly through these areas of the body. UMass Memorial Health doctors also recommend gloves, hats and warm socks, since the hands, head and feet lose warmth the fastest.
It is also necessary to warm up the inside of the body through smaller exertions like jumping jacks, leg swings, or dynamic stretching, which are a series of controlled movements to take muscles through the full range of motion. These actions help to avoid muscle strain and injury once outside, according to doctors at UMass Memorial Health.
University Hospitals also reported that cold exposure can help transform stubborn white fat, the kind that sits around the belly and thighs, into calorie-burning brown fat that the body naturally minimizes with age. This is optimal for those with a specific physique goal in mind, like sophomore UMD finance majors Owen Sheffield and Morgan Kim.
“I think for me, I just always envision myself in the future, and I always feel better after a workout,” said Sheffield.
Kim also commented, saying “I stay active in the winter so that I can look nice when I go out.”
Outside, the body can also receive small doses of vitamin D, an essential vitamin that helps boost mood. “The way that I stay motivated to work out outside even during the cold winter days is that I think vitamin D and positive energy from the sun is really important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Working out outside ensures that I stay physically fit,” said Maia Benjoseph, a sophomore general biology student.
Overall, activity in the winter is extremely beneficial for mood, energy levels and health during the long months. With the right clothing, preparation and a positive mindset, a renewed appreciation of the season can be discovered.