Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right For You?

Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

alt

It can be hard to move easily, let alone enjoy what youre doing.

But the cold weather is leading to painful joints.

Experts in This Article

Scott A. Smith, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Texas.

woman sweating in the gym

Scott A. Smith, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Texas.

Siddharth Tambar, MD, is a rheumatologist with Chicago Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine.

So what can you do?

First, its helpful to know why we suffer from painful joints in cold weather.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Take the time to warm up from the inside-out

Smith recommends starting witha prolonged warm-up.

Typical warm-up is five minutes, but if you need more time, prolong, he says.

Include somestretchingto loosen up your muscles, and do it indoors if you might, says Tambar.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Focus on dynamic stretches that simultaneously warm you up and get the blood flowing to the arms and legs.

Try this quick series to get warm and loose before heading out:

2.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Scott A. Smith, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Texas.

Heres What Experts Say

Glute Bridge vs Hip Thrust: Which Is The Better Booty Booster?

Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.

Cool down long enough to rehydrate and get pulse/respiration and body temperature back to normal, Smith says.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

He suggests setting aside roughly 20 minutes for this.

Remember: Your workout routine doesnt have to be intense to be helpful.

Take your mat outside for this low-impact cardio sess:

6.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Exerciseeven in the coldisnt supposed to be painful.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.