Done in healthy conditions, a run in temperatures just above zero has greater benefits than a run in the summer, explains cardiologist Doni
Running in the cold, even with a handful of degrees above zero, it may seem to some an almost epic feat. But it’s good. At least if you are healthy. “It is essential to distinguish the running in the cold in healthy people and in those who have health problems as one hypertension important. In this case, running in intense cold should be avoided, because low temperatures trigger a vasoconstriction that can have dangerous consequences in raising blood pressure, especially at the beginning of training “, explains Dr. Flavio Doni, cardiologist in charge of the Marathon Center at Palazzo della Salute – Wellness Clinic in Milan.
Why especially at the start of the race?
“If warming up before running is important in summer, in winter it is even more important, especially for hypertensive people, but more generally for everyone. Having said that, running in the cold is only good: it is an excellent stimulus for the cardiocirculatory system and induces a series of beneficial effects in our organism at the level of heart rate and of blood pressure. And it stimulates them immunitary defense: running in the cold actually enhances our ability not to get sick from infectious diseases. It is clear to me that you have to do it in good health “.
Is it better to risk covering up a little too much or a little less?
“It is difficult to give an answer. The lower the temperature, the higher the risk of having muscle problems. Also for this reason a good heating is critical. If perhaps in summer it is enough to do ten minutes of very slow running, in winter it is worthwhile to insert a little skip, hops, arm rotations … Then it must be said that the proportionality of the muscle damage is linked to the intensity of the effort. In any case, protecting yourself from the cold is essential, but don’t protect yourself too much. Running for 5 minutes per kilometer with a cold outside temperature of 5 degrees puts the body in a position to perceive and react as if it were at a temperature of 25 degrees. I recommend being dressed in such a way that, when you go outside, you have a slightly cold sensation, which passes after a few minutes of heating “.
Is it better for the body to run in a severe summer heat or in an intense cold, maybe five degrees?
“Without a doubt with an outside temperature of 5 degrees. There are studies that have shown what would be the ideal temperature for running: 6 degrees. At this temperature the organism is in the best condition to work. While if it’s hot, the stress is much greater, because the body is busy spending a lot of energy in heat dispersion. But I remember that during the marathons there were deaths from the heat, never from the cold ”.
Why do some people run better in the heat?
“It can be a hormonal issue. The thyroid, for example, can function better even within normal limits, and in this case the person tolerates the cold more, or function less well, and in that case the heat is tolerated more ”.
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27 December 2020 (modified on 27 December 2020 | 11:53)
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