Combating the Cold: Winter belly vs. summer body

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher L. Ingersoll
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Winter is notorious for promoting a sedentary lifestyle because the cold can keep people indoors and inactive, and holiday food can add inches to the waistline.

With bi-annual physical fitness testing starting this year, servicemembers will most likely have to test at least once during cold months, but there are ways to fight the gut during the exceptionally long winters in England.

"Running in the cold being bad for your lungs is a myth unless you have asthma," said Anthony Cook, fitness program manager at the Health and Wellness Center. "As long as you prepare for the weather by dressing in layers and having a good pair of trail shoes, running outdoors in the cold can be a refreshing change of pace from a day spent indoors."

He went on to explain how winter can be a good time to train for outdoor summer activities.

"If you are into rowing, there are rowing machines at the gym that work the same muscles. If you are into sports like football or rugby you can cross train," he added. "Whatever activities you are into there is a way to train for it in the off season."

Other servicemembers have their own methods of staying fit in the cold.

"I try to maintain going to the gym at least three times a week as well as staying active in indoor sports like basketball," said Master Sgt. Robert McQueen, 100th Communications Squadron.

"Watching what I eat is helpful all year round," said Senior Master Sgt. Angela Yoho, 100th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office. "When I can't run outside I use the elliptical or attend a Zumba class."

Zumba is a dance-aerobics class that is offered at RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall.

Winter doesn't have to degrade fitness. With the right motivation and a good workout plan, there can be victory in the war against the winter weight.

Editor's note: This is the second article in a three-part series.