When the temperatures start dropping, so does your motivation to workout. It can be hard to go outside for the necessary reasons, like work and grocery shopping, so the unnecessary ones are even harder. However, exercise is essential all through the year, so here are a few ways to make your fitness plan work for winter.

Invest in the proper clothing

Buy the appropriate clothing to keep yourself warm during your workout. While it’s tempting to bundle up in plenty of layers, be sure to dress for a temperature that’s about 15 to 20 degrees warmer than what it is outside. Once you start moving, your body warms up, and you won’t feel as cold. Lightweight fleece jackets keep you warm without making you too hot. Don’t forget to wear gloves and a hat or ear warmer as well.

Don’t be afraid of the snow

Once snow starts hitting the ground, all you want to do may be to just lay on the couch and watch movies. But, by running in the snow you’ll actually burn 15 percent more calories than you would on a treadmill. While it is a little more slippery than usual, you can purchase a pair of cleats to run in or try this DIY traction hack.

Change your schedule

In the summer, you may do your outdoor exercise early in the morning or late in the evening as it’s the coldest part of the day. In the winter, you’ll want to do the opposite. Instead, do it in the middle of the afternoon as it’s the warmest part of the day. Plus, it will help you soak up some vitamin D from the sun, which can be really hard to get this time of the year.

Warm up inside

If the thought of facing the cold weather is unbearable before your body is warmed up, then do your warm-up indoors. Before heading outside to run or bike, take 10 minutes to do some low-level aerobic exercises. Do jumping jacks or jog in place, anything that will get your blood pumping and your body warm. Facing the cold seems much more doable when you’re already warm.

Exercise at home

If getting outside just isn’t an option for you, then take your workout indoors. If you have indoor equipment, like a treadmill or elliptical, use that. If not, make do in other ways. Try a HIIT workout that focuses on both cardio and strength. You can also find ways to make your indoor exercise more fun, like watching TV. During commercial breaks, make it a goal to perform one exercise the entire time through, like squats.