There are many reasons why it’s crucial to work out during the winter season, but many of us tend to think that winter is a great time to relax and skip exercises. In fact, it’s even more important to exercise in winter than in summer since we spend lots of time lying on the couch and tend to eat more high calorie foods. Not only is it bad for your waistline, but it can also affect your health. Exercising all year round gives you fantastic benefits in your appearance and health, and helps you boost your energy and productivity. Take a look at the list of several reasons why it’s important to exercise in winter and make sure that you stick to your workout routine every day no matter the season.

1. Improve your immune system

Regular workout is a powerful immunity booster. Although healthy eating plays a more vital role in immune system development and maintenance, exercise can also help reduce the risk of cold and flu. Even a 10 minute workout can make a huge difference to how you feel. You don’t have to run in the morning, though, a few sit-ups or walking will be enough to improve your immune system.

2. Burn excess calories

During the cold winter months there’s nothing better and warmer than comfort food. Due to it we consume more calories than the body burns, and if you skip your workouts those excess calories are stored on your body as fat and you pack on the pounds faster than you realize it. Not to mention the holiday season and Valentine’s Day, when we consume tons of calories. Prevent winter weight gain and get ready to the summer season faster by exercising regularly in winter.

Read also – 8 Most Delicious Low Calorie Foods

3. Improve your mood

In winter it’s difficult to stay motivated, productive and positive. The winter blues can make this beautiful season unhappy and it’s no wonder why. No one loves those cold, gray days. Although we can’t change the weather, we can change our mood. Exercising is one of the best way to improve your mood and combat the winter blues. Studies show that exercising helps boost your feel-good endorphins, making you feel happier.

4. Learn how to exercise in unpredictable situations

The winter season is full of surprises, but you shouldn’t let them prevent you from exercising. Get creative and think of the fun and interesting ways to stay active at home. Or, find the safe and fun ways to work out outdoors. From skiing, skating and sledging, to jumping the rope and yoga, there are many great options to consider. Learning how to exercise in unpredictable situations will definitely help you down the road.

5. Longer life

Hibernation might be a great thing, but it’s not good for your health and life. Too much sleep is as harmful as lack of sleep, and spending too much time in front of your computer or TV is even more harmful. An active lifestyle is the key to a long life. In winter you may not feel like working out, but if you want to live a longer, healthier life, make exercise a part of your daily routine.

6. Stay in shape

While you can hide those extra pounds under thick coats and sweaters in winter, you can’t hide them during the summer season. Exercising during the winter time helps you stay in shape and enjoy the spring season instead of spending hours in the gym getting your body bikini-ready. It’s always smarter to stay in shape all year round than to try lose weight in a month.

Read also – 7 Effective Ways to Lose Weight Walking

7. Break a habit of making excuses

In winter it’s not difficult to find an excuse to not exercise: the holiday season, bad weather, short days, or cold and flu. However, making excuses is a habit that you need to break as soon as possible. Why not do it this winter? It’s a challenging task, but you will develop a habit of working out every single day no matter the season, weather or day.

When it’s cold and frosty outside, all you want is to curl up under a warm blanket in front of the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate or eating warm soup. However, you shouldn’t forget about regular exercise. Stay active and healthy, and enjoy these two winter months to the fullest. How do you keep your exercise routine in winter?