So the challenge is to find the balance between dressing conservatively and dressing warmly enough. And remember, that sweating is a normal side effect of exercise. Don't start de-robing just because you start sweating. Remember that if you were exercising in warmer weather you would welcome sweat as a sign of a good workout.Another important step when preparing for outdoor exercise is determining the severity of the exterior conditions. And the best way to do that is to go outside. That may sound obvious, but many people get dressed in their warm home and run outside to immediately start their exercise. Three minutes of exposure can help you decide if you are dressed appropriately, and it is probably better to do that in your back yard instead of a block away from your house.

So, I recommend that you go outside in the clothes you have opted to wear and move around for a few minutes to make sure you're dressed warmly enough. Swing your arms and turn in a circle to make sure the cool air doesn't sneak in through any gaps in your outfit. Remember to shake your head to make sure your ears are protected - too much cold air in your ears can lead to earaches. Also, take several deep breaths, noticing how the cold air feels on your throat, your nose, and your lungs. If it is painful to breathe deeply, I recommend wearing a scarf or a turtleneck that will cover your nose and mouth, warming the air you inhale. Open and close your hands and wave them through the air to make sure that you won't wish for warmer gloves. Also, remember that the majority of our body heat is lost through the top of our heads, so decide if a hat is needed. Notice if the wind is blowing, if it is cloudy, or if the sun is shining brightly.