4 Ways I'm Keeping Extra Hydrated During Dry Winter Workouts

By Caitlin Miller
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Shutterstock
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There are a handful of things I absolutely love about winter workouts — cooler temps that last all day so you don't have to wake up early to run, crisp breezes to avoid overheating, beautiful sunsets (yes, I think they're better in winter), and my personal favorite: the warm fuzzy feeling I get from working out side by side with that icy cool winter air. There's nothing like it.

As much as I love winter workouts, there are also a handful of things that I hate about them — but none more so than dehydration. Dehydration is a plague of winter in general, but if you're like me and spend your time outside walking, running, or hiking, you know dehydration and its best friend, dryness, all too well.

Not only does dryness affect athletes externally with cracked lips and dry mouth, but it also affects us internally. In fact, dehydration is one factor for that uncomfortable icy feeling in the lungs when working out.

But there are four ways in which I'm showing dehydration and winter dryness who's boss.

Rethink Your Gear
underarmour.com

Rethink Your Gear

It's easy to assume that because we're not sweating as much while working out in winter — or not as obviously so — that we're not dehydrating as quickly. But that's not the case. In fact, you can lose up to a liter of water per hour when working out. That's why I opt for pieces like the Women's UA Meridian Infuse 7/8 Leggings ($90), which actually feature tiny moisturizing microspheres within the fabric that activate as you move to rehydrate skin.

Treat Your Skin
lanolips.com

Treat Your Skin

Of course, there's only so far good gear can go. For me, some of my dryer areas tend to be my lips, which crack from wind and saliva, my hands, which go from cold to sweaty and back throughout my workouts, and my feet, which always take a beating outside. I keep a balm like Lano Golden Dry Skin Miracle Salve ($18) on hand to combat these skin woes. This salve utilizes all-natural lanolin, antibacterial Manuka honey, and antioxidant vitamin E to coat and protect.

Don't Skimp on Water
underarmour.com

Don't Skimp on Water

I'm not just looking out for my dry and dehydrated skin while I train, but I'm keeping tabs on my internal hydration levels, too. While it's very easy to bypass water breaks while working out in the winter, you still sweat and lose water, even if the physical cues feel different because of the conditions. I take time to hydrate by packing a water bottle like the UA Sideline 32 oz. Squeezable Water Bottle ($9) to fuel up every hour or so.

Take It Home
getcanopy.co

Take It Home

Winter workouts don't truly end when I come inside and warm up. When we're talking dryness, that's a side effect that can live on. I've been opting for a humidifier like the CanopyPink ($150), which not only has smart sensors to detect just how much moisture is needed, but also has a 2.5 liter tank to keep moisture in the air for up to 36 hours.