It's freezing outside, but don't let that deter your workouts. Discover the compelling reason to embrace cold-weather exercise: it supercharges fat burning and calorie expenditure.
There's solid science behind lacing up your running or walking shoes in the chill. Training in colder conditions can help you burn significantly more calories than in warmer environments.
Read also: 'Motivation tips for running in the cold'
A study from Laurentian University in Canada found that participants burned three times more fat at 0°C than at 21°C.
The research involved 11 moderately fit, overweight adults performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on stationary bikes: 10 cycles of 1 minute at 90% power, followed by 90 seconds at 30% power, conducted at varying temperatures.
Researchers note the need for larger studies, but these results are promising. If it boosted calorie burn for participants, why not experience it on your next cold-day workout?
