When it’s freezing outside, don’t freeze your workout routine!

Being active in the cold can require a lot of willpower, especially when it may be tempting just to hibernate. The winter months, however, actually offer a unique chance to be active.

With March Break coming up, kids and their parents will need some outdoor activities to keep them from getting cabin fever. Here are a few suggestions to keep your heart pumping and muscles flexing amid the ice and snow.

Take a hike

Bundle up and go for a hike. Many nature preserves and local parks stay open in winter and provide a perfect outing for the family as you explore the area. Grab a map, frolic in the snow and let the natural world unfold before your eyes.

Play hard

Embrace the winter (and your inner child) and play in the snow. Build a snowman or fort, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, or find a big hill and go sledding. Once you get moving and laughing you’ll barely notice the temperature.

Dig in

Clearing driveways and walkways after it snows is a familiar winter chore. Make a little more time to shovel instead of using that gas-guzzling snow blower in the garage. Even after a downfall of just a few inches, shoveling is a great cardio exercise that can burn a lot of calories.

Walk, jog or bike

Walking briskly for short distances goes a long way toward keeping you in shape and reducing gas consumption. Do small errands like walking or jogging to the store when you can.

For longer commutes, winterize your bike for commutes and errands. Although biking can be a bit trickier in snow, you can often still bike when the weather gets cold. Use wide tires, wear layers and protect your hands and feet. Take care to identify roads that will give you enough room to ride safely with the automobile traffic.

Take it to the ice

Ice skating is a true Canadian wintertime activity and can be done alone, with the family or with your friends. Skate at the local community centre, or if it’s safe and frozen over, the local pond or lake. Ice skating is a great way to have fun and get some exercise, whether you’re a pro or a beginner. If you’re a hockey fan, get out there and do your best Crosby or Wickenheiser impression.

Before you know it, all of this snow will melt away, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Stay active, be safe, find something you enjoy, and get your family and friends involved. It may be cold, but you can keep warm, and work up a sweat, by taking up a winter activity.