Even though you can often safely exercise in the colder months, you never really know what you are going to get. Will the windchill drop? Is there black ice? Do you have appropriate clothing? Each day can be a new challenge, and sometimes it's just a lot of effort and not nearly as enjoyable to get your workout done.

Now's the time to change things up with your routine. You may need to get a little creative or even a little bit outside your comfort zone but you'll be able to stay in shape — or even improve — during these chilly, short days.

At Home

There are days in the winter you don't want to, or can't, leave your house. But that doesn't mean you can't work out. Even with no equipment, you can get your heart rate up. Here are just a few things you can do in the comfort of your warm home:

Use Your Stairs

Jog or walk up and down your stairs for a steady state workout, or for intervals.

Use Your Body Weight

Squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, yoga, Pilates, etc. There are tons of body weight exercises you can do to get some resistance training work indoors.

Raise Your Heart Rate

Jumping jacks, jump "rope", jump squats, switch lunges, burpees, mountain climbers, high knees, butt kicks, and the list goes on. You can design your own HIIT workout using a variety of cardio intervals along with those resistance exercises.

Stream It

The internet is a great thing. You can look up workouts that are written out for you. Or you can stream one. So many options for those with limited equipment, lots of equipment or none at all. Just start searching.

Join a Gym

Maybe outside is your jam, but that doesn't mean a gym can't offer you a lot of options in the winter.

Machines

Treadmills, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, Stairmasters, step mills, ellipticals, rowers and battle ropes are just a few of the many cardio options you can choose.

Swimming

Get in the pool and focus on your form while raising your heart rate.

Classes

On land or in the water. Get outside your comfort zone and try a new workout.

Find a Fitness Boutique

These are everywhere now. Fitness facilities that specialize in specific types of workouts and run classes on a regular schedule. Many incorporate not only cardio but resistance exercise as well. You can often get free passes or a discount trial in order to try before committing.

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