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Your Cold Weather Fitness Guide

Date: 02/06/26

With colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours, the winter season can be a challenging time to stay active. There’s no reason you have to take a break from exercise when it’s cold out, though. There are actually a few benefits to working out in cooler weather.

  • There’s no heat or humidity. Being active in the Texas heat can be hard and even dangerous. Plus, the chill of winter can make you feel energized.
  • You might be able to work out longer in colder weather. Because you’re not getting tired from hot weather, you’ll be able to stay active longer and burn even more calories.
  • It is a great way to get sunlight. Because we are indoors more during the winter, getting outside is even more important. Getting some sun can help boost your mood and get you vitamin D.
  • Exercise boosts your immunity during cold and flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just a few minutes of exercise per day can help prevent some bacterial and viral infections.

Here are some ways you can stay active, indoors and outdoors:

  • Weather permitting, take a walk around your neighborhood or a local park.
  • Workout online. Search for fitness apps or YouTube exercise videos to help you stretch, dance or do other aerobic exercises.
  • Doing chores helps you be productive while also staying active. Vacuuming and sweeping can count toward your physical activity goal.
  • Walking up or down stairs several times a day.

Check out 25 ways to get moving at home (PDF) from the American Heart Association.

For more information about how to stay active this winter, visit the resources below: