It’s true—I’m not going to quote everyone’s favorite sword-and-boobs TV show in the beginning of my winter workout piece. That’s how strong I am. But jokes aside, it’s getting colder, which means that many people can’t work out outside anymore. This doesn’t need to happen. As long as you have the right gear and are ready to go, you can work out outside in the winter. Also, the right way of thinking.

1. Enjoy the winter

Prior to doing anything else, you should accept that it is cold outside and that you will have to work out in a setting that is different from where you usually work out. But these kinds of weather can really help you with your workouts. The cold can wake you up and give you ideas.

For instance, running through a few inches of snow will give you a workout that you will never forget. It will take you less time to get good at running in the snow, but you will still get good at it. Even better.

You should enjoy the cold.

2. Take care of your body

You should know that your body will need some time to get used to the cold before you can say that it was the best workout you’ve ever had. This is the same as when you work out outside in the summer when it’s really hot, and you need to drink more water.

You will probably need to spend more time moving and warming up in the winter because your body gets cold more quickly. You will also have to cut down on the length of your workouts so that you don’t overwork your body.

Also, the ground is more likely to be slippery in the winter, so be extra careful not to slip and fall. Last but not least, don’t stay outside when it’s cold outside. It is too cold to sweat in that weather. Find out about winter workout injuries in general and how to stay away from them.

Finally, your immunity system will be weaker in the winter, so you may want to eat better to make it stronger.

3. Get yourself ready

For every workout, you need the right gear, and this is especially true in the winter. You can’t just go outside in your normal spring and summer clothes. In the winter, you’ll need exercise gear that can keep you warm and handle the cold.

For instance, all of the fabrics will have to be much stronger and warmer so that you don’t get soaked by the weather. Your shoes will need to have extra grip because the ground you will be running on will probably be slippery. This is only true if you decide to run in the winter.

4. Ways to spend the winter

One great thing about winter is that it lets you do tasks that are only possible in the winter. They may not always work in certain places, but they will always be a great workout. One easy activity that can be a nice change from your normal workouts is ice skating.

You can’t really ski or snowboard just anywhere, but if you can get to some hills, then by all means, do it. It would be easier for more people to do winter activities like climbing on snow-covered hills.

That’s it! Even something as boring and easy as shoveling snow or playing in the snow with family and friends can be a great way to work out.

5. Watch what you eat

Most people don’t pay as much attention to what they eat in the winter. One reason is that it’s the holiday season and people are more laid-back. Also, Westerners tend to eat and drink more heavy things in the winter, which is fine. But don’t let your diet slip too far and stop paying attention to it all together. In the winter, watch what you eat.

On the other hand, you should know that you burn more calories when you work out outside in the cold, especially if you plan to do it for a long time. Before doing any hard workouts outside, make sure you eat a lot of carbs.

Don’t pig out, though.