ABSTRACT
Exercise in the cold provides a significant challenge to the individual. Despite the fact, as noted earlier, that the body is better at heat production than it is at heat removal the stress placed on the body due to exercise in cold environments is notable. Whilst most of us may choose to exercise with more clothes or indeed exercise indoors if it gets too cold, good examples of the combination of exercise and cold exposure come from Polar expeditions and mountaineering. Acute physiological responses are apparent in cold exposure and cold injuries can occur if the athlete is not careful in monitoring signs and symptoms of injury. There is also evidence that acclimatization to cold will occur in certain physiological responses. If exercise in a cold environment continues for too long, especially if the conditions are wet and wind adds a 'wind-chill factor' to the cooling process, then the body can become hypothermic and this can potentially lead to death.
