Why is it important to wear proper clothing while exercising in the cold? What types of clothing are recommended, and what types should be avoided?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers may vary.In cold temperatures, as much as half of the body's heat can be lost through an unprotected head and neck. A wool or synthetic cap, hood, or hat will help to hold in body heat. Mittens are better than gloves, because they keep the fingers together so that they lessen the surface area from which a person can lose heat.Wearing several layers of lightweight clothing is preferable to wearing a single, thick layer, because warm air is trapped between layers of clothes, enabling greater heat conservation. Dressing in layers will allow you to shed layers when you begin to get warm and will help you keep moisture from sweat to a minimum.The first layer of clothes should wick moisture away from the skin. Polypropylene, Capilene, and Thermax are recommended materials. Avoid cotton next to the skin, because once cotton gets wet, whether from perspiration, rain, or snow, it loses its insulating properties. Next, a layer of wool, Dacron, or polyester fleece insulates well even when wet. Lycra tights or sweatpants help protect the legs. The outer layer should be waterproof, wind resistant, and breathable. A synthetic material such as Gore-Tex is best so that moisture can still escape from the body. A ski mask or face mask helps protect the face. In extremely cold conditions, exposed skin, such as the nose, cheeks, and around the eyes, can be insulated with petroleum jelly.