Convincing yourself to work out can sometimes be a bit of a struggle no matter the season, but it’s especially difficult in the winter. When the sun sets early, and the wind feels like it’s out to get you, it’s all too easy to stay inside, sipping tea and watching cooking competitions.

However, it’s important not to miss out on the many benefits of exercise, even in the colder months. That’s why we’re going to give you a few easy ways to get your sweat on!

Rock Climbing

Okay, so maybe not real rocks; only really serious climbers are out on actual cliffs in the winter. But rock climbing has become so popular that indoor climbing gyms are popping up seemingly left and right, and they’re a great way to try out the sport while staying sheltered from the elements. Most gyms have gear you can rent if you’re not quite ready to commit to buying your own, and they all have a very welcoming staff that are more than happy to show you the ropes (pun intended).

Swimming

Don’t worry; we’re not talking about doing a polar plunge here. We’re talking about hitting up your local rec center or gym and using the pool there. It may sound a little counterintuitive to want to swim in the winter, but when you haven’t gone swimming since August or even earlier, a little dip is more refreshing than you might expect.

Classics

Of course, it’s always going to be hard to beat winter classics like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or snowshoeing. Most ski resorts and ice skating rinks have rentals available. Snowshoes generally won’t cost you much more than a couple of months of your gym membership, so while they’re not the cheapest hobbies, you can usually pull them off without breaking the bank. Plus, they get you out in the fresh air, even if it’s colder than you might like.

There are plenty of other great ways to stay active in the winter; these are just a few of our favorites. What’s most important is finding what you enjoy most, so never be afraid to try new things!