How to keep your exercise hot when it's cold outside

Read time: 3 minutes

When cooler temperatures blow in, it can be tempting to head for the couch with your quilt. But just because winter is here doesn’t mean you have to take a four-month break from physical activity. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of staying active in colder weather.

Find a fun activity. Like to walk? Bundle up and keep walking. The lower heat and humidity may make your walks more enjoyable than in warmer weather. Here are some more cool weather activities to think about: raking leaves and snowshoeing.
Because warm weather can make it more difficult to exercise for longer periods, take advantage of cooler temps and put more time into your activities. You may be able to enjoy your outdoor activities longer in the brisk winter air.
Use the sun to your advantage. The shorter daylight hours of winter can affect our moods. Exercise in the sunlight during winter to improve your mood — and boost your vitamin D intake.
Help ward off simple bacterial and viral infections by exercising just a few minutes a day. Exercise can boost your immunity, especially during cold and flu season.
If exercising outside during the winter is never going to appeal to you, head to the nearest indoor mall for a walk, or consider joining a gym or community wellness center. Work out on your own, or check out the class offerings that can help keep you in shape.
If you like to swim, why not go for a nice warm dip when the temperatures drop outside? Find an indoor pool and try water aerobics. If classes aren’t for you or you’re not a swimmer, just enjoy walking or running laps in the water.
And don’t forget the many activities you can do at home that can keep you feeling energized and keep you moving: dancing, vacuuming, sweeping and stair climbing.

And remember, before starting (or increasing) an activity program, be sure to talk with your doctor or health care professional.

When to take your workout indoors

Exercising outside in the winter can be invigorating and enjoyable. But beware of cold temperatures mixed with rain, cold temps mixed with high winds — and any sign of ice on the ground. These weather conditions are miserable at best and dangerous to work out in.

Tips for safe exercise in the winter

If you’ll be exercising outside this winter, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Check the weather. Wind + cold = wind chill index. Because wind chill extremes can make exercising outside unsafe even if you’re dressed warmly, check your local weather reports. See what the meteorologist is saying. Often times, they give advice as well as the forecast.
Wear sunscreen. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you’re exposed to UV radiation, even in the winter. Put sunscreen on, and consider one with glycerin or lanolin since the winter cold can be harsh to the skin.
Stay hydrated. Hydration is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Bring along a bottle of water.
Dress appropriately. Dress warmly, and in layers. Wear a hat that covers your ears, which helps your body retain heat. And don’t forget your gloves.