For many people, winter can seem a difficult time to stay physically active. Cold weather, gray skies and shorter days all make it more tempting to settle into that recliner by the TV, rather than heading outdoors or finding some other way to stay active.

That’s too bad. Numerous studies have shown that keeping physically active and fit provides a variety of benefits.  Not only does regular exercise help with weight control and how you look and feel, it’s also an important contributor to good mental health, especially in terms of fighting stress.

So yes, warm weather may offer more opportunities for activities like long walks or working in the garden. But cold weather doesn’t mean you have to hibernate. You’re a person, not a bear, and you’re probably a person who owns warm clothing that can make an energetic walk on even very cold days feel pretty comfortable.

Or, to enjoy the winter weather even more, consider the various winter sports available in most places. Skiing, ice skating, or just taking the kids for some sledding on a local hillside are all ways to be more active despite the temperature.

Regardless of where you reside and whatever the outdoor weather, you should still consider indoor activities that will contribute to being more physically active. Yes, your local YMCA or other gym is always a good resource for being more active. Whether you like to work out on your own, with a trainer, or in a fitness class of some sort, they’re all activities that will have you feeling better, will help keep those extra winter pounds from showing up and will contribute to feeling sharper and more relaxed.

And yes, if a gym or organized workouts isn’t a good fit for you, there’s nothing wrong with going solo. Try checking out some of the online programs of exercise videos that will help keep you motivated and working out safely at home.

Anything that gets you up and moving is something that’s important to try in order to fight the inactivity that winter weather just naturally seems to bring. It’s important in so many ways to stay physically active.

Doing so this time of the year just might require working a bit harder to find the motivation to get moving, the positive physical and mental health benefits that you will gain makes it well worth the effort.