What to wear to work out in winter (and stay warm)
· LUXIA Fit
To work out in winter without freezing, dress in layers: a base layer that moves sweat away from your skin, a layer that keeps you warm and, if it's windy or wet, an outer layer that protects. Then pick your leggings for the workout: fleece-lined for walking or easy training, thinner for hard runs.
Why is it so hard to train in the cold?
The first few minutes are the worst: your body is cold and staying in feels very tempting. The trick isn't to wear as much as possible, it's to wear the right things. Start out too wrapped up and you'll be sweating ten minutes in, and cold sweat is what really chills you afterwards.
A simple rule: you should feel a little cool when you step outside. If you're perfectly comfortable standing at the door, you're probably wearing one layer too many.
The three-layer system
1. Base layer (next to your skin). A sports bra and a breathable long-sleeve technical top. Avoid cotton: it soaks up sweat and stays cold and wet.
2. Mid layer (for warmth). A light sweatshirt or thin fleece. On milder days you can skip it.
3. Outer layer (for protection). A windbreaker or light jacket if it's windy or raining, ideally one you can take off and tie around your waist.
Which leggings to choose for your workout
- Brisk walks, dog walks, easy outdoor training: fleece-lined thermal leggings, like our Thermal Leggings or Fleece-Lined Leggings. The lining holds in warmth without losing the fitted shape.
- Running or hard outdoor sessions: unlined leggings in a breathable fabric. A lining would make you too hot within minutes.
- Gym or home workouts: your usual leggings. Indoors you don't need a lining; the double-layer, high-waisted Lifting Leggings work just as well in winter as in summer.
- Everyday wear on cold days: Velvet Winter Leggings or Shark Leggings with pockets look great with boots and an oversized jumper.
See every lined style in our thermal leggings collection.
Five tips for training outdoors in winter
- Warm up indoors. Five minutes of mobility before you leave makes the first stretch much easier.
- Cover your extremities. Hands, ears and neck get cold first. Thin gloves and an ear band make a real difference.
- Be visible. It gets dark early: wear something reflective or a light if you train at dawn or dusk.
- Drink water even if you're not thirsty. You feel less thirsty in the cold, but you still sweat.
- Change as soon as you finish. Get out of damp clothes straight away; that's when you'll feel coldest.
Not sure where to start?
If you'd like a plan to stay active this winter, take our 2-minute quiz. With your order over €75 we'll email you a personalised 4-week workout plan.
