To layer or not to layer? What to wear when exercising outdoors in winter

Biokineticist Letshego Zulu shares some expert tips

23 July 2017 - 00:00 By Shanthini Naidoo

Biokineticis Letshego Zulu has just completed the Trek 4 Mandela summit of mount Kilimanjaro in honour of her racing driver husband, Gugu, who died on the same trip last year. The annual trek aims to raise funds for sanitary pads for underprivileged girls.
She shares some advice for cold-weather exercise gear:
Winter gear is not about layering. If you are cold at home and add too many layers, five minutes into exercise and you will be boiling. Your exercise kit should be a mix between thermal and breathable.
On the coldest day on Kilimanjaro, I would wear two layers - a thin one underneath, close to the body, and the top one light and warm. Both tops should be long-sleeved but light - a wind breaker or rain jacket. Some jackets will roll up into a small ball or into a pocket that becomes a bag. These are useful options.
If you really need something for your hands, you can get fingerless mittens. A scarf that doubles as a beanie is helpful as a sweatband. But remember, the minute you start exercising and blood flows, the body automatically keeps up.
BUFF ARE A MUST FOR CYCLISTS
A buff is my go-to for cycling because it can be a scarf, a beanie or a headwrap that covers the ears. I wear it around my neck and if get a gust of dust coming my way, I pull it over my face. If I get sweaty on the forehead, I push it up onto my hairline...

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