Winter weather can make outdoor activities nearly impossible, but you can still have a great workout without the cost of a gym membership or exercise equipment.

Climb Stairs

Stairs are often overlooked as a great way to increase your heart rate. If you don't have stairs at home, take advantage of those at your office or school. A 175-pound person who climbs and descends stairs for 30 minutes will burn 209 calories.

Mall Walking

Many people living in colder climates depend on mall walking to get exercise. Some communities have organized sessions for exercisers, and some malls will open early to accommodate walkers. If these sessions do not exist in your town, consider organizing one yourself. A 175-pound person who walks a flat course at 3.5 miles per hour for 30 minutes will burn 130 calories.

Play in the Snow

Turn your exercise into play time and blast calories in the process. Hiking in the snow, sledding, making snowmen, snow football, and snowball fights are great ways to exercise. You can also knock out your workout by shoveling the sidewalks. A 175-pound person will burn 232 calories shoveling snow for 30 minutes.

Keep a positive attitude and embrace the many winter exercise options that don’t exist in the summer months. View winter as an opportunity to break up your routine and improve your fitness in a new way.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.