12/25/2009

Chilled thru your Muscles

We can get chilled to the core, but what about a few layers up? Being cold, especially to the point of shivering has a strong impact on our muscles.

When we get cold or are chilled, we scrunch our upper body inwards (yes, scrunch is the technical term) and sometimes curl our lower body in. These isometric contractions are keeping our muscles in constant flexion or extension. One can definitely become sore as if they took a hard yoga class and did not stretch. Picture walking around with your arms straight up in the air; same concept.

Shivering is a reflex response to keep our internal organs warm. when we shiver, we burn calories and produce the byproduct of heat. When we shiver, our muscle are obviously contracting over and over again. Again - overworked. Not to mention, if you are shivering you are putting your health at risk by not keeping your body warm enough.

You can prevent muscular discomfort by dressing appropriately, not sitting or sleeping under an air vent, or staying outside longer than you should.