Winter encourages a sedentary lifestyle, but it’s important to stay active even when the days get short and temperatures fall. With the right strategies, you can keep moving all season.

It can be tempting to put physical activity on hold over the winter. The weather makes it harder to be active outside and get around to places like the gym. However, you shouldn’t let the snow and the cold temperatures keep you stagnant at home. There are many ways to stay active during the coldest months of the year. Motivation may be harder to come by but, with a bit of extra effort and some creativity, you can design the perfect winter workout.

Find Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors

There’s no way to beat the winter weather, so the best strategy is to simply embrace it. Walking, jogging, running, and hiking can all still be done in the winter, and the crisp air can help you feel more refreshed and energized. You should also consider activities that can only be done in the wintertime, like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Choose a fun new hobby that appeals to you, and you won’t have any trouble finding the motivation to get outdoors.

Dress for Success

Even if you find a fun activity, you won’t last long outside if you don’t dress properly for the weather. The trick to staying warm and dry when exercising outdoors in the winter is to dress in layers. It is also a good idea to stay away from cotton, as cotton traps moisture and can make you feel colder. Your inner layer should be a sweat-wicking fabric, followed by a layer of fleece, and finally a waterproof layer on top. The right clothes will prevent frostbite and hypothermia and help keep you going for longer.

Find Ways to Exercise at Home

Let’s face it–sometimes it is simply too cold to go outside during the winter, and you may not want to drive anywhere either. Luckily, there are plenty of exercises and activities that you can do at home. Stock your space with a few pieces of exercise equipment like a yoga mat and a set of weights, and use fitness apps or YouTube to find exercises that you can follow along with. Being stuck in your house is also a great chance to do some deep cleaning of your home, which will surely keep you on your feet!

Make It a Social Affair

Getting the motivation to exercise is easier when you involve others in your goals. Try teaming up with a friend to work out with or to simply keep each other accountable. You can also seek out groups to go jogging with or fitness classes to join. These are great ways to stay social while maintaining your activity levels at the same time, and the social pressure will keep you going.

Don’t let your workouts fall to the wayside just because it’s wintertime. Find some new activities to enjoy indoors and out, build accountability by involving others, and bundle yourself against the conditions to ensure that nothing can stop you from staying active.