No one likes training in the freezing cold–simply put, it sucks! However, training in the cold may be necessary for your sport and there are some tips to make it bearable. Here's how you can avoid frostbite and come out of those training sessions feeling good.

1. Train Inside

This is more of an alternative than a tip for surviving the freezing outdoors. Just train inside if at all possible. Get your cardio on a treadmill instead of outside, batting practice in an indoor cage if you have access, futsal instead of small-sided games outside, or practice your catching with a throwing machine instead of throws from your quarterback outside. Whatever sport, just get the training done indoors if possible when it's absolutely freezing out.

Related: 3 Benefits of Cross-Training for Athletes

2. Wear Proper Clothing

If you can't get indoors, wear weather-appropriate clothing. Undershirts, training pants, gloves, a beanie, and whatever else you can wear to stay as warm as possible is necessary to stay healthy and feel good.

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3. Stretch

If it's freezing outside, stretch extra well for extra long. The cold is always going to contract muscles and make them tight. To make sure you don't pull anything, get some stretching done before you get outside and add more stretching to your usual post-workout routine.

4. Drink Extra Water

When it's cold out, you won't feel your sweat as much and won't be as thirsty as you would in the dead heat of summer, but hydration is still essential for your recovery. Make it a point to drink at every break even if you aren't thirsty to make sure you get enough.

Related: Thirsty? Stay Hydrated With these 4 Awesome Water Bottles for Athletes

5. Embrace It!

If it's freezing, it's going to feel extra cold if you don't embrace it–so have fun with your training! If it's snowing, maybe even make a snowball and chuck it at your friend when your coach isn't looking or make snow angels on the field after practice. If that's not your jam, just focus on the session and get the work in. Time will pass quicker and you can get back to a hot shower to make yourself feel better afterward if you at least embrace the cold and the temporary discomfort that comes with it. You're an athlete after all–a little pain is a part of your job title! 

Cold weather isn't fun but most, if not all, athletes have to deal with it at one point or another. So don't let it get you down–bundle up, hydrate, and most importantly, try to enjoy your fleeting time as a college athlete, sun or snow.

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* Originally published on December 20, 2022, by Scott Abramson