Stay Warm Exercising Outdoors

Although the weather is getting colder in many places across the country, that doesn't mean you have to bring all your fitness activities inside. There are many steps you can take and products you can use to help you stay warm while getting in your workout outdoors.

Fitness trainer Nikki Kimbrough of Bally Total Fitness tells The Early Show co-anchor Gretchen Carlson the most important thing to remember when exercising outside is to stay warm and dry.

The best way to attain optimal comfort and protection against the elements is through layering. The items of clothing closest to the body should adsorb perspiration and keep it away from the body, while the outermost layer should keep out cold air and moisture. Make sure fabrics are breathable.

Cotton tends to stick to you, so it won't allow your skin to breath. The key is to layer with the right types of fabrics. Get double-sided fabrics that provide thermal protection and moisture management. Make sure the essentials are covered: your head, ears, fingers, feet.

What about people you see running in T-shirts, knowing they'll warm up? Is wearing a T-shirt in freezing temperatures a good idea? No, says Kimbrough: cotton doesn't allow your body to breath and doesn't have thermal. So the sweat clings to your body and that's how people get sick.

Some general tips:

• When dressing in layers, use lightweight wicking fibers as the layer closest to your body.
• Wear socks made of synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from your skin to help prevent blisters and athlete's foot.
• Remember that your head may be responsible for about 40 percent of heat loss. Keep your head covered and wear gloves.
• Apply skin protection using sun block and moisturizers as appropriate.
• Don't forget to drink plenty of fluids.
• Warm up slowly and gently before working out, and especially before doing speed work.
• Don't do speedwork in bone-chilling cold. You are risking injury. Most wise athletes use this season for maintenance exercises.
• Don't run on ice.
• Be careful exercising in low-light conditions both because of road traffic and uneven pavement, and be aware of increased balance problems.

As for specific apparel suggestions:

Kimbrough showed a male mannequin dressed for the outdoors.

Grey Under Armour mock turtleneck $50
Fabric wicks perspiration from your skin to the outer layer of the garment, enabling your body to regulate its temperature in any condition.

EMS black stretch pants $75
Very thick and body-hugging, four-way stretch material. Outer layer is wind- and abrasion-resistant, and soft inner layer pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry, warm and comfortable. Great for sports, Offers protection and maximum freedom of movement.

EMS black zip-front hoody $89
Body-hugging, four-way stretch, breathable material. Has moisture-wicking technology, so it may be worn next to the skin or layered. Lightweight.

Patagonia jacket $135
Designed as outer layer that offers wind protection and water-resistance. Compressible.

Seirus socks
Hermax technology wicks away moisture (namely sweat) from your skin so you stay dry, warm and comfortable. Great for people who sweat a lot, then get cooler later. The thin sock promotes circulation, keeping you warm and more agile throughout your workout. (Thicker socks can restrict circulation, actually making you colder after some time)

Nike "Storm Pegasus" Sneaker
This shoe is a classic neutral running shoe designed to shield you from the winter elements. Clima-fit is a tightly woven, highly breathable fabric that offers great wind-blocking protection and water resistance.

180's Tec Fleece Ear Warmer
Includes JVC headphones. Has three layers, including warm poloartec fleece and wicking material on the inner layer.

Gloves: Hyperlite All Weather Glove
Runners swear by this thin, lightweight glove. Super-thin weathershield technology, windproof, water resistant, breathable four-way stretch, durable fabric keeps you dry and comfy.

Shoes: Saloman Sneaker
With a breathable and waterproof Gore Tex XCR bootie construction, the XA Pro 2 XCR is a high-performance adventure running shoe designed to meet the rigors of running in rugged terrains and in any weather conditions.

Kimbrough showed another male mannequin.

Nike black mock turtleneck $65
Stretch-fitting long-sleeve mock with built-in hand-warmer in sleeve; Dri-FIT material helps runners stay dry by wicking away sweat from your body so it evaporates quickly. Reflective material for safety.

Nike black with white stripe jacket $90
Clima-FIT protects against rain and wind, Dri-FIT for moisture management, Optic light at center, back and front provides night safety.

Nike Track Pant $65
Reflective piping provides safety for night running; Dri-FIT material keeps you cool and dry, Internal pocket for keys, license etc.

Patagonia pant lining $32
Patagonia features several different weighted fabrics for base clothing. They are made with "capilene" fabric, which has superior moisture management, which means they move sweat away from the body. The silk weight version is for moderate to warm weather.

Seirus mesh dome liner
Another runners' favorite! Made with CoolMax Fiber, a popular sportswear material, it keeps you dry and comfortable, whether weather is hot or cold. Thin, four-way stretch headliner covers your ears to keep you warm. The breathable mesh crown lets your head breathe. The Mesh Dome is an excellent, choice giving you versatile protection against the elements. It can be worn alone or under a helmet or a hat.

Castelli Bibtight $199 (other versions range from $80 - $250)
Designed for cyclists, lined with insulated wicking material. Contains cycling seat pad.

Now, a female mannequin.
Nike Sphere Thermal Sleek Top $70
The textured fabric creates air space around the body to keep you warm and comfortable without sacrificing breathability. Designed to be worn as an outer-layer to keep you warm in cold, dry weather. Has built-in handwarmer at cuff, and built-in bra.

Nike Long-Sleeve Pull-Over $95
Nike Sphere fabric provides warmth and moisture management. Keeps wind out and warmth in.

Premiere Tight $90
One of Nike's most weather-resistant fabrics (called "Sphere Pro"). Offers breathable wind and rain protection. A three-dimensional fabric creates air space around you to keep you dry and comfortable. Mesh insets at back provide ventilation for maximum airflow and comfort, Reflective zippers provides safety for night running. Dri-FIT material keeps you cool and dry. Origami inspired pocket for keys, license etc.

Nike Storm Pegasus
This shoe is a classic neutral running shoe designed to shield you from the winter elements. Clima-fit is a tightly woven, highly breatheable fabric that offers great wind-blocking protection and water resistance.

Another female mannequin.

Under Armour hooded red top $70
Under Armour pullover $60
Under Armour tights $50

All Under Armour fabrics feature a moisture-transport system that wicks perspiration from your skin to the outer layer of the garment, allowing your body to regulate its temperature in any condition.

Salomon sneakers
With a breathable and waterproof Gore Tex XCR bootie construction, the XA Pro 2 XCR is a high-performance adventure running shoe to meet the rigors of running in rugged terrains and by any weather conditions.

Patagonia long john pants/tops
Three weights: silk weight; lightweight; regulator weight.

CW-X conditioning top and leggings
Maintains peak performance and stabilizes temperature during activity.

ACCESSORIES

Head Gear:

180s Ear Warmers: $40
Many people don't like to wear the traditional hat or headband. We found these great "ear warmers" from 180s. These ExoLite ear warmers wrap behind the head and are designed for the runner who pushes through the boundaries of distance, duration and weather conditions. It will stay dry and protect the ears from the cold without overheating during a long distance run or ride.

There also is the TEC Fleece powered by JVC that brings together the warmth of an ear warmer with the clear sound of JVC headphones.180 Exolite Ear Warmers: $30.00 - lightweight exoskeletal frame ideal for running; has wind-blocking, moisture-wicking fabric; secure and comfortable fit.

Ear Bags
Double-layered fleece ear warmers that are bandless, so they gently snap over each ear like a pair of gloves. They come in small, medium and large. For a more decorative look, some Ear Bags are made with faux fur and suede. Retail for $12.50 - $16.00. Can be found Nationwide in Eastern Mountain Sports, REI and Totes/Isotoner.

Seirus Mesh Dome $11.99
Made with CoolMax Fiber, a popular sportswear material. Keeps you dry and comfortable, whether hot or cold. Thin four-way stretch headliner covers your ears to keep you warm. The breathable mesh crown lets your head breath. The Mesh Dome is an excellent choice, giving you versatile protection against the elements. It can be worn alone or under a helmet or a hat.

Nike Running Headband $15
Insulated, reflective logo

EMS hat liner $15
Breathable, quick wicking, lightweight and comfortable base layer.

Nike dri-FIT hats
Stretchy material that can be pulled down over ears.

Socks:

Seirus' Thermax Sock $9.99

Thermax technology wicks away moisture (namely sweat) from your skin so you stay dry, warm and comfortable. Great for people who sweat a lot, then get cooler later. The thin sock promotes circulation keeping you warm and more agile throughout your workout. (Thicker socks can restrict circulation actually making you colder after some time)

Seirus' Outlast Socks $13.99
Outlast temperature-regulating technology is seen in a wide range of winter accessories now. Outlast fibers woven into the fabric were designed by NASA to absorb body heat initially and hold it for redistribution later if you get cold. This sock is another great thin sock that can also be layered for extra warmth.

Seirus' Poly-Pro Socks $6.99
Polypropylene is a popular material for winter. This is an excellent moisture-wicking fabric, great for wet conditions.

Seirus' Supersock $24.99
Thick, four-way stretch, breathable neoprene for those who need extra insulation on really cold days. Great for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and many other outdoor, extreme condition activities.

Lightweight Gloves and Liners

Gloves:

180s gloves $20
Made specifically for runners and has a retractable windproof hood to protect the fingertips and backside of the hand from the effects of wind chill. There is also a super-absorbent sweat wipe on the back of the glove and thumb.

Seirus' Hyperlite All Weather Glove $24.99
Runners swear by this thin, lightweight glove. Super-thin weathershield technology, windproof, water resistant, breathable four-way stretch durable fabric keeps you dry and comfy.

Seirus' All-Weather Glove $29.99
Perfect for outdoor strenuous activities on colder days. This ultra warm, yet lightweight glove fits like a second skin. It has four-way stretch nylon outer layer and is windproof, water resistant and breathable. The durable palm makes it great for working outside as well.

Nike Thermal Running Glove $20
Dri-FIT material, insulated, reflective, has small palm pocket.

Shoes:

Nike Storm Pegasus
This shoe is a classic neutral running shoe designed to shield you from the winter elements. Clima-fit is a tightly woven, highly breatheable fabric that offers great wind-blocking protection and water resistance.

Salomon Sneakers
With a breathable and waterproof Gore Tex XCR bootie construction, the XA Pro 2 XCR is a high-performance adventure running shoe to meet the rigors of running in rugged terrains and by any weather conditions.

Yaktrax
Shoe attachments for snow and ice. $20

Camelbacks water bags
Comes with insulated tube to prevent freezing. Hold up to three liters of water. Can hold extra clothing.