Let it snow…or rain…or just be pretty darn cold. While we love some fun in the sun, chances are winter weather might start cramping your outdoor style (unless you live in a year-round sunshine state!). Here are some tips for staying active even when the weather isn’t on your side.

Embrace the chill factor

If you can’t beat it, join it! The weather that is…if colder temps and winter wonderlands are here to stay, try some activities that will get you out and enjoying the weather. Ice skating and snowshoeing are family-friendly activities for exploring in the snow. Looking for a killer workout? Cross country skiing will get your heart pumping, beautiful trails and scenery are just the cherry on top. Not enough snow for these reindeer games? Head out for a winter stroll or hike – even old favorites can be magical with a little winter twinkle.

Winter-proof yourself

With the right gear, you can be winter-ready for whatever the season throws at you. Outdoor activities in colder temps call for proper insulation – start with a moisture-wicking layer close to your skin and top everything off with a wind or water-proof layer. This will help keep your body temperature comfortable as you work up a sweat. Bonus points for brightly colored or reflective accents so that you stand out in low-light conditions. When you come indoors, try to leave your layers on for 10 minutes (if you aren’t wet) to let your body temperature adjust without cooling off too quickly. Headed out on icy trails or sidewalks? Avoid a major slip (and potential injury!) by sliding some ice spikes over your shoes or boots for added traction – your tailbone will thank you.  

Create a home-gym routine

The easiest way to beat the outdoors is to head indoors. If you don’t have a gym membership – or if the weather makes getting to the gym tough – bring the gym to you! Thanks to sites like YouTube, full workout routines can be found in the comfort of your own home and can be fit to any fitness level. Check out this channel for a great variety of specialized and full-body workouts. Want to get your groove on? Give a living room dance session a try! Or maybe you’re more of an app fan (you are a Brook user, after all) – give Movr a try for on-demand fitness anywhere. After answering a few quick questions about how you’re feeling, the amount of space and time you have, and equipment handy, it’ll create a create a custom routine for you!

Class act

The siren song of the couch and fireplace are strong draws, but group fitness classes present a winter opportunity for fitness and socializing. Between your local community center, YMCA, or gym, there are sure to be plenty of options to get you moving to fit a wide range of price-points. Not sure what fits your style? Many studios offer free or discounted first classes to new members, perfect for those with a “try before you buy” mentality. Not ready to commit to only one option? ClassPass offers flexible membership options and the chance to hit up all your local studios.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Hydration is important year-round, but we often don’t pay as much attention to our fluid intake in the colder months. Colder temps cause us to feel less thirsty and even though we might not be summer sweating, cold and dry air still dries out the body. Have a glass of water before heading out for a winter adventure and one when you get back. And don’t forget to hydrate while you’re out and about! Water is always a good option, but if you’re seeking some heat a thermos of herbal tea is the perfect warm and hydrating solution.