According to Petra Schuler of Mississippi State University, the winter months should not hamper fitness activities. However, if you don't like the atmosphere of health clubs, or don't want to invest the monthly fee, she recommends the purchase of relatively inexpensive equipment, such as a stepper, and beginning a home workout. Also, you can get an exercise tape or catch a fitness program on television and follow along. She even suggests continuing outdoor fitness activities, such as jogging, provided certain precautions are taken. Nevertheless, warm dress is important.
Appropriate items are sweat pants and shirt and a jacket or windbreaker.
Also important are a hat and gloves. We lose a majority of our heat through the surface area of the head, and extremities, such as fingers, are more subject to the cold. Schuler advises a good warm-up before beginning outdoor exercises. Stretch for a long period of time prior to your run to get your circulation going, slowly jog for a few minutes, then stretch a few minutes more. This allows your muscles to get enough blood flow to prevent cramping and stiffness.