POPSUGAR reports on the benefits and precautions of cold workouts, according to Karen M. Sutton, MD, sports medicine surgeon at HSS.

“Cold temperatures can decrease inflammation while making the body work harder to warm up, which burns calories,” explained Dr. Sutton. “The optimal temperature for peak performance in a marathon is between 39 degrees to 50 degrees F, with a loss in speed of 0.3 percent every one degree F in temperature increase. Overall, slower marathon times are seen in hot weather,” she added.

Increasing workout intensity gradually will protect your muscles from low-temperature-induced tightness and strain, cited Dr. Sutton, who also recommended dressing in layers and shedding them once they warm up. Also, since sweat evaporates quicker in cold dry air, your thirst response is not as persuasive in cold temperatures. “A cold workout can trick the body into feeling the need to not hydrate nor provide optimum nutrition,” said Dr. Sutton.

Read the article at Popsugar.com.