Winter can be hard to motivate yourself to stay active. In the summer it’s easy since we almost live outside. It’s convenient to grab a bike and meet your friend at the coffee shop, or walk around the neighbourhood basking in the sun. A day like today at -18 without wind chill takes a bit more imagination to get going and keep fit.

My favourite activity in the winter is cross country skiing. It’s cheap to buy equipment ($200 should get you skis, poles, and boots) or you can rent them very reasonably. Another bonus is the cost of the passes. Whether you get a season pass to your favourite local spot or a day pass, it’s very affordable. This is a great winter substitute for your regular summer cardiovascular workout.

Another way for you bikers to stay fit in the winter months is a turbo trainer. This piece of machinery allows you to mount the rear wheel of your own bike and creates resistance for you to get a great peddling workout in the comfort of your living room. Put on a movie, listen to some music or a podcast, and get sweating! My husband bought one on the Whistler Buy & Sell for under $100. For those with a bigger budget, you can get really fancy and connect online with other bikers and race against them, or even purchase a home exercise bike that comes with live instructors to kick your butt into action like a traditional spin class.

If I don’t feel like leaving the house, I often check out a yoga class on YouTube or follow a personal trainer-designed workout on Livestrong. You don’t need any equipment other than your own body. If you have a small space, you can purchase TRX straps that hook over any door and follow their personal trainers tips to full body workouts using your own body weight as resistance.

Heck, you can even go up and down stairs for 10 minutes and work up a sweat that earns you that latte. Whatever you choose to do, don’t let cold weather stop you from achieving your fitness goals.