Running in the Rain: How Weather Affects Sports Performance

2024-04-03 11:57:58
The weather is one of the external factors that influence sports performance (Getty)

On rainy and stormy days, surely more than one person hesitates to go for a run, or take the opportunity to sleep a little longer and pass by the gym door on the way to work.

However, specialists say that doing physical exercise on rainy days has extra benefits. When it rains it can be the perfect time to go for a walk or run, as the patter of raindrops causes plants, trees and soil to release sweet-smelling compounds that then mix and match in the air you breathe. . Inhaling these compounds can improve mood.

Humidity and atmospheric pressure can affect performance on rainy days (Getty)

The weather is one of the external factors that influence sports performance.

And regardless of whether a person prefers cold or heat more when training, the truth is that there are a series of circumstances that can affect adequate performance.

Although it all depends on the activity being done and the individual, when planning a workout to achieve certain objectives, the temperature, humidity or atmospheric pressure of the area where you live must be taken into account.

For example, the combination of heat and environmental humidity affects the physical state, and in extreme conditions they prevent excess heat from being correctly eliminated from the body, giving rise to dizziness, cramps and even extreme exhaustion.

Although if it rains it is possible and even advisable to go out to train, in the event of an electrical storm you should avoid taking risks.

As said, running and breathing outdoors on rainy days can improve respiratory health and immunity.

Austrian scientists who carried out a series of experiments in this sense in the Alps, found that “participants who walked surrounded by that strongly ionized air had higher levels of a vital antibody located in the mucosal lining of the mouth, nose, and the intestine.”

Likewise, if the surface you are running on is muddy, “it is much better, because mud is a blessing for your health.” As they saw in a Finnish study, “mud, whether from farms or the forest floor, is rich in microbes that improve mood.”

Running and breathing outdoors on rainy days can improve respiratory health and immunity (Getty)

When going for a run or walk on rainy days, there are seven recommendations that should be taken into account.

Wear a hat with a visor. This type of hat will prevent rainwater from entering your eyes, allowing you to see the road well.

Wear appropriate clothing. Cotton clothes might absorb water, becoming heavy and making training difficult, so it is better to wear synthetic sports clothes. It should be noted that waterproof coats are not a good option as they might accumulate moisture or heat on the body.

Keep feet dry. Wet or cold feet, in addition to being uncomfortable, might injure the skin of the feet when rubbed. The ideal these days is not to wear cotton socks as they absorb water easily. Instead of these, opt for special socks sold in sports stores to avoid blisters.

Put on clothing that is visible. If you run on public roads, it is likely that visibility will not be adequate on rainy days, so it is best to wear bright, bright or fluorescent colored clothing to avoid accidents.

Protect belongings. Today no one goes out for a run without their cell phone or music playing device, so it is advisable to protect them with waterproof materials, such as airtight nylon bags.

Do not train during the thunderstorm. As seen, if it rains it is possible and even advisable to go out to train, but in the event of a thunderstorm, taking risks should be avoided.

Reduce speed and be careful. The effort made by the body when running once morest rain and slower wind is similar to what would be done by running faster under normal conditions. So it is advisable to go slower and avoid injuries due to slippery ground.

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