Slimmer by training in the cold. Myth or fact?

You may have heard that exercising in the cold can help you lose weight faster. The idea behind this is that your body has to work harder to stay warm, which means you burn more calories. But is this really an effective way to lose weight, or is it just a myth? In this blog, Rémon Koetje, Lifestyle coach and trainer at Happy Bodies, delves deeper into the cold theory. Spoiler alert: There is absolutely no reason to dive into the snow with dumbbells or to sit shivering behind your laptop or at the dining table.

The cold myth, where does it come from?

The myth of cold training as a weight loss strategy didn’t just come out of the blue. It’s true that your body requires more energy (and therefore calories) to stay warm in cold temperatures. This means that by exercising in the cold, you theoretically burn more calories than if you were to do the same activity in a warm environment. This has led some people to believe that they can increase their metabolism by exercising in the cold, or even doing normal daily activities.

Cold training in practice

While it’s true that your body uses more energy when it has to work hard to stay warm, the effect on weight loss is minimal. Sorry. In reality, you may burn a few extra calories, but this doesn’t translate into the dramatic weight loss many people hope for. Additionally, exercising in the cold comes with some risks. If you don’t prepare properly, there’s an increased risk of injury due to tight muscles and the possibility of hypothermia. Additionally, exercising in the cold can lower your resistance and make you more susceptible to viruses. Lastly, it can be discouraging, making you less likely to exercise regularly.

The – warm – road to effective weight loss

Weight loss isn’t about being cold. It’s not about locking the fridge after 6pm or pumping your heart rate. It’s not about sweating like a pig or cutting carbs out of your life. It’s important to have realistic expectations about how cold training can help you achieve your weight loss goals. It’s all about finding the right balance. Getting a good night’s sleep, making healthy choices, and following a realistic exercise plan will go a long way.

The unique concept of Happy Bodies

At Happy Bodies we believe in a total approach to a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the Milon circle and personal guidance – but without the ridiculous price tag of a personal trainer – we also help you optimize your nutrition. This way you not only build full muscles, but you will also experience a sense of well-being and vitality. Our trainers are ready to guide and motivate you during your fitness journey. Personal attention, result-oriented training and an inspiring environment, that is what makes us happy at Happy Bodies.