Rain is one of the biggest demotivators when it comes to working out and training.
I've lost count of how many five-a-side games have been called off due to a downpour and I'm also guilty of having chickened out of a few runs once I started to see a few dark clouds appearing.
Surprising as it may sound though, there are many benefits to training in the rain meaning you'll have to come up with a different excuse next time you want to chicken out of a bit of wet weather exercise.
Here are some of the benefits to training in the rain
Burn More Calories
Many of us workout and train to lose weight which comes from burning calories. Several studies have revealed that we burn more calories in the rain as our bodies aren't at risk of overheating and we stay cooler for longer.
Your body also has to work harder to keep itself warm and when by putting this extra strain on yourself you in turn burn more calories.
Use More Muscles
If you're out running in the rain the ground is going to be far slippier than you're used to and your going to have an extra challenge on your hand maintaining your balance.
This will also be the case if you're playing five-a-side or tag rugby, maintaining your balance works smaller coordinating muscles in your legs which would otherwise be unused in warmer weather.
Develop Mental Strength
If you are able to go out for a run on a cold wet Tuesday night or cycle to the gym on a windy Wednesday you'll soon end up having the mental prowess to tackle even harder challenges such as marathons or triathlons.
By proving to yourself that you can do it in the worst of conditions, other challenges will soon become more achievable.
Quicker Sessions
If you gear up, put the head down and just go for it in the pouring rain you'll probably find yourself completing your session quicker than you would a normal one.
The thought of a hot shower and a clean set of clothes can help motivate you to a more intense session and before you know it you'll be smugly sitting at home having just worked your ass off.
Reduced Risk Of Flu
As funny as this may sound research has shown that regular cold weather exercise can reduce your chances of contracting flu in the winter.
Research from the Mayo Clinic (in America) has shown that regular cold weather training boosts your immune system resulting in up to a 30% reduced risk in man flu.
So there you have it next time your mate is telling you to ditch your game of football or weekly run let them know that they're the ones losing out by not basking in the beauty of some winter rain.
