Jennifer Chesak, a medical journalist, discovered that running in the cold is more beneficial to health than running in the heat.

According to Dictionary.com, running is the rapid movement of the legs in such a manner that for an instant, each step, all or both feet are off the ground.

Jennifer Chesak and her colleagues – experts and sports managers– found that while running overall provides cardiovascular benefits regardless of the season, cold weather running poses further specific advantages such as increased calorie burning through brown fat activation and a mental boost.

She explained that the body engages in distinct physiological processes during cold weather.

The activation of brown fat, a distinct subset of fat tissue that burns calories more efficiently and produces heat than white fat, is one of the biggest features of this.

This interaction of metabolic processes demonstrated how the human body is adapted to lower temperatures, emphasizing the benefits of running during winter.

Additionally, she stated that the reduced necessity for the body’s cooling mechanisms in colder temperatures yields a notable enhancement in blood circulation.

This may empower runners to sustain a comparable running pace while experiencing a reduced heart rate when contrasted with the physical demands of warmer weather conditions.

This orchestration of physiological adjustments highlighted the adaptability of the human body to cold climates and the advantages that winter running offers to cardiovascular efficiency and overall physical performance.

Based on her findings, Jennifer then stated the positive implications of running in the cold.

She elaborated that running in cold weather provides a comprehensive cardiovascular workout, engaging major leg muscles and incorporating arm movements.

This dynamic exercise would promote increased heart rate, boosting blood circulation.

She added that the sustained efforts required during running strengthen the heart muscle, improving cardiac output and endurance and providing benefits to several thoracic conditions.

Jennifer also mentioned that cold weather running induces “thermogenesis”, a process where the body generates and maintains heat, therefore leading to the activation of brown fat.

She inferred that this can contribute to weight management and metabolic health, as the increased calorie burn not only supports weight loss goals but also enhances overall metabolic efficiency.

This would become an effective strategy for those looking to optimize their metabolism and maintain a healthy body composition.

She lastly stated that cold weather running triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, leading to a heightened sense of well-being known as the “runner’s high”.

This neurological response acts as a natural mood booster, countering the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter.

She found that this mental benefit can extend beyond the immediate workout.

Regular participation in this outdoor activity can become a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, making the sport a holistic approach to overall well-being.

Running in the winter may require proper preparation, such as a dynamic warm-up to alleviate stiffness, layering clothing for temperature fluctuations, and choosing moisture-wicking materials to manage sweat.

Nevertheless, Jennifer underscored the significance of running in winter by stating that it is a highly advantageous activity in terms of physical and mental health.

Put another way, although it is also essential for people to approach it cautiously based on their comfort level and health goals, going for a run in the cold can be a rewarding activity that helps the body and the mind.

Suh Kyung (Chloe) Yu

Grade 11

Chadwick International School