COLD CASE

"PROVIDED YOU’RE PRODUCING MORE HEAT THAN YOU’RE LOSING, YOU’LL BE FINE. WHEN YOU CYCLE, YOU CAN EASILY PRODUCE A KILOWATT OF HEAT…"
Professor Mike Tipton

Cyclists who hibernate over winter are making a big mistake. Although we worry that cold weather makes us vulnerable to injuries and flu, many scientists believe lower temperatures trigger amazing health benefits, from burning fat and raising metabolism, to fighting Seasonal Affective Disorder and boosting mental resilience – a vital resource now more than ever.

Perhaps we shouldn’t be so surprised. Ever since our ancestors left the tropical climates of Africa and Asia, humans have adapted to cooler climates. The normal temperature of the human body is 37°C, but on exposure to the cold, your heart rate and metabolism rises. That’s not all: peripheral vasoconstriction decreases blood flow to the extremities to reduce heat transfer, your breath quickens, oxygen floods to the brain, blood is channelled to your muscles, glucose is released and muscle activity – whether through shivering or the urge to exercise – increases. This burns extra energy, sharpens the mind and warms