Weather can be the difference between doing your workout or piling up on the couch for your favorite TV show. If it's rainy, snowy or just plain cold outside, most of us avoid exercise like the plague. While it's normal for activity to slow down in the winter, cold weather isn't a license to give up exercise completely.

But why would you want to workout outside in the middle of the winter months ? Well, there are quite a few reasons, and here are some of them:

1. Beat the winter blues by getting some daylight and possible some winter sunshine. Increased exposure to natural daylight will increase your mood. So if you can go out for a lunchtime workout, that would be ideal.

2. Exercising in the cold burns more calories because you need to move fast and constantly to keep warm.

3. Exercise can keep flu and colds at bay.

So how to prepare yourself for outdoors winter exercise ?

Getting outside in the cold is much easier if you're already warm. Try throwing your clothes in the dryer, running your hands under warm water or even getting a good 10-minute warm up in before you head outside.

Try warming up inside before heading out the door. It's much easier to face cold temps when your body is already warm. Try walking or jogging around the house, going up and down the stairs or use a cardio machine if you have one. Just don't get too sweaty before you go or you'll get cold.

Layer up so as not to be cold, but be prepared in case you get warm:

Base Layer - Start with a base layer with thin, breathable fabrics, like silk or wool that keep you warm but allow sweat to evaporate.   

Mid-Layer - Your next layer should be a little thicker than the first and made of sweat-wicking fabrics like fleece or Coolmax to keep you warm and dry. A mid-weight half-zip top works well here and running tights or pants.  

Top Layer - For your top layer, you'll want a jacket that's both wind and water resistant while still breathable. This will protect you from the elements while keeping you from sweltering.

if you get too hot, just unzip or remove a layer. And don't forget the hat and gloves. If you exercise outdoors when it is dark, wear reflective materials to ensure that you can be seen.

Don't forget to drink:

It's just as important to stay hydrated when exercising in winter as it is in summer, even though you might not feel as thirsty. You can become just as dehydrated in the cold as in the heat from sweating, breathing and increased urine production, but it may be harder to notice during cold weather.

If possible, do the second half of your workout with the wind at your back. This way, you're less likely to get chilled, especially if you've worked up a sweat. This may take some planning of your exercise route before you head out the door.

Beware of frostbites. Frostbite is most common on exposed skin, such as your cheeks, nose and ears, but it also can occur on hands and feet. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation. If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area — but don't rub it since that can damage your skin.

While you may be tempted to immediately remove your layers when returning inside, give your body time to adjust. Post exercise hypothermia is possible. This happens when your body rapidly loses its heating stores.

So layer up, get your gloves and hats out, and start exercising outside to beat those winter blues and not piling up the pounds over the winter months.

If you feel like exercising outside, but need motivation, a personal trainer can help. Give me a call, and I'll gladly help you.

Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer North London and Barnet, 07880627944, anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk