The cold, snowy weather is notorious for making us want to stay inside and hibernate. But, a sedentary lifestyle puts you at risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and more. If you want to increase your physical activity during the colder months but aren’t sure how to get started, here are six ways to prepare for outdoor exercises.

• Pick an activity you love. Exercising doesn’t feel like a chore if you do something you enjoy such as hiking, running or skiing.

• Wear layers that can be removed if you get too hot. This includes a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, a heat layer of down or wool, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and moisture-wicking socks.

• Check the weather. If snow storms or freezing rain are in the forecast, opt for an indoor activity instead such as indoor cycling or yoga.

• Drink water before and after your workout. You might not feel as sweaty in winter but staying hydrated is as important as in hot weather.

• Do a warm-up. Guide your joints through their full range of motion, try squats and standing marches to raise your core temperature.

• Apply sunscreen. The sun’s rays are still powerful in winter, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.

Now that you’re ready for winter workouts, it’s important to make sure you’re free of colds, flus, sore throats, infections and more. Maple is a virtual care platform with Canadian-licensed health care providers who treat common health concerns online.

With your CAA Membership, you and your family have 24/7 access to Maple for health advice, prescriptions and more. Register for your Maple benefit today so it’ll be ready when you need it.

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These tips originally appeared in Maple’s medically-reviewed blog: 10 tips to stay active during winter.