Should You Exercise on a Rainy Day?

Safety First

Of course, exercising outdoors in the rain (and potentially the cold) should always come with a few precautions. It’s certainly not inherently dangerous; in fact, running in the super dry heat can be more dangerous than running in the rain, for sure.

That said, it’s important to choose the right gear and stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re running, you’ll want shoes that can provide enough traction so that you don’t slip on wet pavement. Likewise, if you’re biking, make sure that your tires aren’t slick.

Visibility is often low in the rain, so make sure that you can both see and be seen. If you plan to exercise near or on a road, wear reflective clothing and consider investing in a light if you plan to bicycle.

Cars may have more trouble stopping quickly on slippery roads, so be extra careful when it comes to navigating traffic.

Finally, if it’s both raining and cold, take care to dress in layers, and to protect your hands, feet, and ears. Take wet clothes off as soon as you return home to most quickly return your body temperature to normal and to avoid skin issues.

Do you enjoy running, biking, or otherwise exercising in the rain? Why or why not?

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