I've grown weary of my exercise bike and felt my resolve to exercise weakening, so lately I've been bundling up and heading outside to walk instead.  I walk 30-40 minutes at a pretty good pace (I'm a little out of breath but not gasping for air.) Here's my question...with the temperatures so low, I'm not sweating. I know I'm still burning some calories, but am I losing the effectiveness of the workout because I'm not breaking a sweat. It's really my only other option besides the exercise bike.

 I think that as long as you are doing it then it is to your advantage.  Bikes do get old after awhile, but you are better then I am getting outside in the cold,  I am a wuss when it comes to cold.

 Hi Jen,

It's great that you've found a way to keep your exercise program on track.  If you're out of breath than you're probably working with some level of intensity, which is very important if you want to make progress.  Yes, you are burning calories at the rate you are walking presently. 

Generally, walking 30-40 minutes with some level of intensity, even when it is pretty cold out, should make you break a sweat.  To make your walks slightly more difficult, try incorporating interval training.  Go at your normal pace and every 3-4 minutes pick up the pace for 30 seconds to a minute and then slow it back down to your normal pace.  Also, walk a course that incorporates some slight inclines along the way.  These things will force you to work a little harder and thus burn more calories.

Stay focused!  The weather will break before you know it and think how great you'll feel in a few months when you can exercise outside and shed some of those winter clothes.

Good Luck,

Paul

 Hi Linda,

Don't let the cold stop you from getting your exercise in!  You're not a wuss, I don't like working out outside in the cold either! Make sure your getting it done inside somewhere.  It can be at home, a gym, work, etc.  

Good Luck,

Paul