Training In The Cold

[Jeremy Frias]

I train outside with my rings at a nearby playground. I don't have access to rings anywhere indoors (until gymnastics season starts up in school). Anyway, cold weather is starting to loom around the corner, and I don't want it to compromise my training. Ring training is not like running or other aerobic workouts in which the exercise itself serves to keep the body warm, and a lot of ring training involves very little or no movement, so I can't rely on my own body heat to keep me warm (this is probably why gymnastics is an indoor sport).

Obviously, a proper warm up and appropriate clothing are very important, but does anyone have any specific tips on what to wear and what to do when training rings in cold weather?

Thank you.

[matthew.percussion]

Gymnastics used to be an outdoor sport actually. Gregor and coach have posted about it a time or two.

I think gregor mentioned some of the guys wearing gloves

*I hope I'm not misspeaking*

[Mr E]

I began my rings training last winter and have been out in all weathers training locally. Here in Finland it can get very cold, and I think the coldest I actually trained in was about minus 14 degrees. In those situations you'll obviously be wearing lots of layers regardless of what you do, but what I did was simply remove my outer jacket and gloves to allow me greater mobility and immediately put them back on as soon as I completed my reps. Between sets I walked around, jogged on the spot and so on, basically anything to stay warm. Hat(s), scarf, hoody, thermals and long sleeve shirts are essential. A balaclava on top of all that is good too.

Try to avoid getting wet if possible, cold and wet can be bad especially if you'll be out for a couple of hours in that state. One time I took shelter under some playground equipment and ran out quickly to do a few reps before returning immediately after.

It's nice to be one of the few people out training when the weather is harsh, and it just makes it that bit nicer when spring rolls around again or you get to train inside. Just make sure you're properly prepared.

Mmmmm. Spring rolls.

[Jeremy Frias]

Gymnastics used to be an outdoor sport actually. Gregor and coach have posted about it a time or two.

I think gregor mentioned some of the guys wearing gloves

*I hope I'm not misspeaking*

Yes, I've seen pictures of late 19th century Olympians on rings outdoors, so I am aware it used to be an outdoor sport. I wonder if those guys competed in cold whether though... guess I'll have to do some research on that.

I began my rings training last winter and have been out in all weathers training locally. Here in Finland it can get very cold, and I think the coldest I actually trained in was about minus 14 degrees. In those situations you'll obviously be wearing lots of layers regardless of what you do, but what I did was simply remove my outer jacket and gloves to allow me greater mobility and immediately put them back on as soon as I completed my reps. Between sets I walked around, jogged on the spot and so on, basically anything to stay warm. Hat(s), scarf, hoody, thermals and long sleeve shirts are essential. A balaclava on top of all that is good too.

Try to avoid getting wet if possible, cold and wet can be bad especially if you'll be out for a couple of hours in that state. One time I took shelter under some playground equipment and ran out quickly to do a few reps before returning immediately after.

It's nice to be one of the few people out training when the weather is harsh, and it just makes it that bit nicer when spring rolls around again or you get to train inside. Just make sure you're properly prepared.

Mmmmm. Spring rolls.

This gives me a lot of great ideas! Yes, I have been out in bad weather and odd times before, and it is very nice training with the playground all to myself and no one around. It keeps me in the zone, like I'm in my own little world.

I have to go shopping for good sports wear that will keep me warm. I'm going to try what you do and remove the stiffer stuff temporarily while doing my sets. It's good to see I'm not the only one with this dilemma! Thank you very much!