As the temperatures drop, the last thing many of us want to think about is exercise. Between Netflix, hot chocolate and the looming threat of frostbite, it seems so much easier to just resign yourself to hibernation. However, with a few modifications, the right gear and trace amounts of self-motivation, you can carry on your workouts well into the winter months.

Here are some basic tips for successful winter workouts:

1.    Dress to impress: when it comes to cold weather exercise, the way you’re dressed can make or break your workout. Regardless of the activity, layers are your best friend. Start with a base layer made out of a sweat-wicking material. Next, put on an insulating layer, such as a pullover sweater made of polyester or merino wool. Finally, top things off with a windproof shell jacket — Saskatoon doesn’t mess around when it comes to wind! Any exposed skin is at risk for frostbite, so hats, gloves and scarves aren’t a bad idea either.

2.    Try alternative activities: while it might be difficult to ride your bike in three feet of snow, winter can be the perfect time to try out some new ways of staying active. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and curling are all sports that can be done in colder weather. At the very least, trying one might help you connect to your hearty, inner Canadian.

3.    Stay safe: winter exercise brings its own unique safety considerations. Icy roads can cause falls, so think about adding spikes to your running shoes. The days are shorter, so if you’re working out in the early morning or the evening, make sure that you wear bright colors and reflective clothing so that you can be seen. As always, tell someone where you are going and carry a phone with you in case of emergencies.

4.    Take advantage of that gym membership: apparently, all U of S students get a “free” membership to the Physical Activity Complex — who knew? Colder weather is the perfect time to make use of an awesome fitness facility right here on campus. The PAC features a wide range of workout equipment, personal training services and even an indoor pool. You’re paying for it, so you might as well use it.

5.    Head inside: when all else fails, there are tons of workouts that you can do right in your living room. Functional bodyweight exercises like squats, burpees and push-ups don’t require a lot of equipment or space. YouTube is also a wealth of resources for free workout videos, including Jane Fonda’s workouts circa 1985.

6.    Take a break: rest is an often overlooked part of physical health. Just like we need to move our bodies to stay fit, we also need to give our muscles a chance to rest and repair. Sometimes, it’s totally acceptable to ditch your workout in favor of your couch, a blanket and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Exercise shouldn’t be a chore. In fact, it should be an enjoyable part of your life. Winter might mean a few changes to your fitness routine, but it doesn’t have to spell the end. Instead of leaving exercise out in the cold, embrace winter fitness with warmth.