Layered clothing during cold endurance training as a practical strategy to mitigate perceptual strain in the heat: strengths and limitations.
Nawal H. · European journal of applied physiology · 2026
This is a commentary letter on a study where people did five days of endurance cycling in cold conditions (10 "which which raised their body heat strain during training because they wore layered clothing. According to the letter, that approach selectively lowered perceptual strain "such as rated exertion and thermal sensation "during later exercise in the heat, though the authors note limits regarding actual thermoregulatory adaptation, performance testing, and how widely the findings apply.
Takeaway: Consider overdressing during cold-weather endurance sessions to make later hot-weather training feel easier, but don't expect it to fully replace true heat acclimation.
Abstract (source)
Yamaguchi et al. demonstrate that five days of endurance cycling in the cold (10 °C) with layered clothing elevates thermal strain during training and selectively reduces perceptual strain (RPE and TS) during subsequent exercise in the heat. This letter highlights the practical value of the approach while discussing limitations related to thermoregulatory adaptations, performance testing, and generalizability.
Primary studyEndurance & Cardiovascular
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