The best way to protect yourself during any exercise is by warming up properly – and that’s even more crucial in winter. The purpose of a warm-up is to get oxygenated blood flowing around the body, loosen the joints and activate your muscles. “In the winter, joints get stiffer and our bodies can be more fatigued. A functional stretching routine and increasing the frequency of restorative movement will help your body feel great before, during and after your workouts,” says Nancy Best, founder of Ladies Who Crunch.

Emma Obayuvana, trainer from the Strong Women Training Club, agrees: “Stretching and recovering is important throughout the year, but in winter the warm-up should be slightly longer to make sure that the body is ready for training – especially if you are about to embark on a run.”

Even if you’re doing indoor exercise, prioritise your dynamic stretching – you probably will be a little chilly after that walk to the gym or thanks to the chilly breeze in your home.

Warming up properly is the key to making running feel easier during – here’s why