Al-Jazirah daily

Many people mistakenly think that working out in the winter does not benefit their health. In fact, working out, jogging or exercising in the winter is more beneficial to one’s health than working out in other seasons.

We all know that the sun is an important source of Vitamin D. It is difficult to get this vitamin in the winter because there is not much sun. Besides, people often remain indoors during the winter and hence it is important that people sit in the sun to get sufficient amounts of the vitamin.

When the weather changes, flu becomes common. This is because the influenza virus becomes active in cold weather while our immune systems become weak. Exercise can strengthen and enhance our immune systems. The more you exercise, the stronger your immune system becomes. With exercise and working out, you can reduce the risk of catching flu at work, on airplanes, in markets and at hospitals. Studies show that people who regularly work out are 20 percent less prone to chest infections.

Many people think that cold air can harm their lungs. This is untrue, of course. Working out in the winter will not make your lungs freeze. Exercise in winter is safe, except for people with asthma. If you cough, it is most probably because of the dryness in the air and not the cold weather.

Winter can cause depression. Studies show that some people tend to get more depressed in the winter and lose interest in almost everything. They feel unimportant and frustrated as if they have hit rock bottom. My advice to anyone who gets this feeling is to regularly work out and exercise. Another benefit of exercise is that it can raise your body temperature and make you feel warm.