HealthTree Blog

If you ever wonder how the Olympians compete in the frigid temperatures of Vancouver and other past Olympic locations, the answer is that they train their bodies for extreme temperature and protection against hypothermia along with the ability to compete.

How to Train Your Body for Cold Temperatures

Experts say that the body will adapt to temperatures as long as you eat a proper diet, are in good health and exercise. When an athlete is optimum shape, he or she will release hormones called epinephrine and thyroxine. These hormones help the body produce heat in the cold weather.

Of course, training your body isn’t the only way to protect yourself from cold weather. You must also wear protective clothing. Synthetic material is best because it will remove sweat from your skin. The last thing you should put on is windproof jacket.

What Is the Extreme

While your body can be resistant to cold temperatures, beware that it’s not invincible to freezing temps. Your body will not be able to withstands temps -20 to -30 according to Sforzo. Frostbite also becomes a problem is you have a wind chill of below zero.

Now that you know what your body can handle without going into hypothermia, get out there and train!

Photo Courtesy of:  P a u l – S o m e r s on flickr