As the nights get longer I am more prone to couch lounging and making excuses not to participate in winter exercise.

“But it’s already dark!”

“It’s too cold out.”

“I’m too busy with Hanukkah/Christmas/Festivus/Groundhog’s Day/National Meatball Day.”

There is an instinct to hunker down and bow out of things that seem uncomfortably cold and unmotivating. Hot drinks and fuzzy slippers are easier.

But winter is actually full of great exercise opportunities, ones that can make you feel energized when the blahs of gray skies and cold  toes set in. You just have to remember the benefits this season provides, and the workarounds you have available.

Benefits

Now is a chance to do things that feel too sweaty-hot in warmer months. If you are doing vigorous exercise outside the cold air keeps you from overheating, and if you’re working hard enough you may not have to worry about freezing your buns off (depending on your region). There there are less people outside, and better availability for places that are packed with crowds in warmer months.

The new year may also provide an opportunity to try a new goal or resolution and jump start your motivation. You can also take advantage of sales on fitness products and services.

Seasonal fun

There are events and activities aimed at holiday celebrations and winter weather. Snow and ice sports are are at their peak.

Winter workarounds

There are ways to dress for the weather that make things tolerable, if not enjoyable, despite low temps. I have exercise pants made for cold times and they really help me get outside with less complaining. If there is a sport that can be done outside, there is an outfit for doing it in the cold.

When the weather is just too extreme there are plenty of things to do indoors. Here is your chance to try something new.

Find something exciting or renew your passion for what you already love.

Walking, jogging, and running

• Take a stroll through the neighborhood to look at holiday lights. My area has several commercial locations with beautiful displays, but if you ask around you can find lots of free, over-the-top residential homes that are worth the walk.
• Visit the community track or the park. Less crowds make for a peaceful day. We typically have some clear, bright days that would make summer jealous.
• Sign up for a race. One of my favorite half marathons is the Holiday Half. I love to see the themed costumes runners wear, and we drink beer and eat hot soup at the finish line. The finisher medal doubles as a Christmas ornament! On Running in the USA’s website you can search for a winter race by location and date. There are local Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s day races too of varying lengths.

Snow and ice

• Downhill skiing and snowboarding—If you are lucky enough to live near a ski park or resort, and can afford it, hit the slopes. I like Ladies’ Night at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, where I can cruise the country’s largest night ski terrain with my homies for only $24. (And have a drink together at the mid-slope warming hut.)
• Cross country and snow shoeing excursions are typically less crowded and you can burn even more calories.
• Snow skating with Sled Dogs looks pretty awesomely dangerous and intriguing. Need to try this!
• Sledding and tubing are fun for the whole family. Climbing back up the hill is totally worth it.
• Ice skating, indoors or out, is also family-friendly. We have a visiting portable rink that comes every Christmas season. They rent pushable bobbies that little kids can sit on when they get pooped out.

Indoor sports and fitness

• Sign up for a class. Our parks and rec department offers everything from fencing to ballroom dancing. Hot yoga sounds good right now as I see frost outside my window.
• Pay the small day use fee at the local rec center when it is too dangerous to be outside. For a few dollars you can use the cardio and weight machines, as well as the pool and hot tub.
• Sign up for a trial membership at the gym, if you don’t have one already. You can typically visit different local spots for free (or very cheap) until you find your fit. January has a lot of deals going on for resolution season. My daughter keeps a sport gym membership for access to the b-ball courts, and meeting people to play pick up games with. The Hubs has a basic Planet Fitness membership that runs him only $10/month.
• Exercise in the comfort of your own home. YouTube will not let you down. Nor will you ever run out of free videos to try. I do Bollywood dancing, Pilates, whatevs. My coworker has been digging the Christmas music Zumba-style workouts. Next I really want to try some body weight exercises to build upper body strength.  I also use apps, like Gaiam’s Yoga studio, to customize my own workouts.

There really aren’t good excuses for doing nothing but watching the Yule log burn this winter. There are too many ways to have fun moving.

*I know availability varies per region, so please use this list as it applies to your own area. Also, exercising on snow and ice, and in your living room, can be dangerous at times. Be fit at your own risk!