Do you hibernate during winter? Avoid the cold at all costs and hole up inside by the fire? That can be cozy and comfy, but sometimes not so friendly to your figure or your health. So, how do you stick to your exercise plan? Read on for my cold-weather walking tips.

Indoor Walking Tips:

1--Head to the gym or your treadmill or elliptical trainer. If you love to walk outside, these can be boring options. You can try to read, watch TV, or listen to books or music on an mp3 player. Or, visualize spring! Better yet, find a buddy to keep you company.

2--Walk and watch television. People who swear they have no time to exercise will never miss an episode of their favorite TV shows. So, charge yourself a fitness fee for your television habit—thirty minutes of walking in place! You can use a video to learn how to do a walking workout, or you can just get up and walk. (One way to motivate yourself for this is to turn down the heat—you’ll save money on utilities, but you’ll also want to get up and move to keep yourself warm!)

3--Another option for indoor walking is to mall-walk. Many malls open early for walkers, but even if yours doesn’t, head on over and take a walk. You can window shop at the same time.

Outdoor Walking Tips

1--Dress in layers. Instead of wearing thick, bulky clothes, layer on tights or pantyhose (the only thing they’re good for) under your walking pants. You can try two pair of socks, too. A thinner t-shirt under a sweatshirt or windbreaker works better, too. Then if you get too hot, you can take off a layer. For the layer next to your skin (for all clothing and socks, too) should be made of a wicking type fabric if possible. That way, it will wick the sweat away from you. Non-wicking fabric will get wet and chill you terribly. Don’t forget a hat to help minimize loss of body heat. Remember, we lose most of our heat through our head and feet.

2—Protect your skin. Wind and cold can zap moisture from your skin very fast, leaving you with chapped lips and dry, cracking skin on your face and hands. Use a good moisturizer, and add a layer of petroleum jelly just before you go out. I usually keep my lip balm in my pocket so I can reapply, too. Thin cotton gloves can make you much more comfortable, too.

3—Watch your step. Especially when your walking path is covered in ice, water or snow. Make sure your shoes have good traction and know where you are stepping. A walking stick can be helpful. If it’s really slippery, consider an indoor walk.

4—Watch for traffic. Visibility can be pretty bad in the winter due to overcast skies and early darkness. Dress in bright colored or reflective clothing. Be sure to walk facing the traffic, too. In the USA, that means walk with your left hand to the edge of the road. That way, you can see cars coming toward you and scoot over if you need to. If you walk with traffic, cars can surprise you from behind, plus they may not see you in time to avoid hitting you. Of course, if sidewalks are available, stick to them. And, when crossing streets, look both ways twice and while pedestrians may have the right of way, you won’t win an argument with a vehicle.

Attach these Yaktrax Walker Shoe Traction devices to your walking shoes and you’ll be much more steady and secure and much less likely to slip and fall.

For a great cold-weather wicking shirt, consider UNDER ARMOUR WOMENS COLDGEAR SUBZERO MOCK.

Be safe, be active & be warm!