It’s the most wonder-swole time of the year!

That’s right, the winter months are here, which means winter fitness activities are in season again.

Some may retreat to the warmth of their homes this time of year. But for the outdoor enthusiast, cold weather can be like…well…Christmas.

If you’re new to outdoor fitness, take this opportunity to leave the climate-controlled fitness centers behind. Get a good workout in the crisp air. The cold temperatures will make you appreciate crashing on the couch in your warm living room at the end of the day like never before.

The below winter fitness activities list includes fun winter exercise ideas for any fitness level.

Here are 15 cold-weather outdoor activities sure to get your heart pumping, your muscles burning, and your teeth chattering.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an excellent cardio workout. You can experience all your favorite hikes year-round without the summer crowds. There is little barrier to entry to begin snowshoeing. If you can hike, you can snowshoe.

Snowshoes are also affordable! A good pair shouldn’t cost you more than a pair of hiking boots.

If you love hiking, make this the year you give snowshoeing a try.

Muscles Worked: Legs, Core

Cardio Difficulty: Moderate

Snow Rucking

Snow rucking is like regular rucking but more challenging. All you need is a backpack and a weight plate. You can snow ruck with your regular boots or snowshoes. If you decide to use your regular boots, make sure to winterize them before heading out.

You will sink into the snow, so wear a waterproof outer layer. Before you turn up your nose to the idea of sinking into the snow, keep in mind it will be a killer leg and back workout.

Muscles Worked: Legs, Core, Back, Shoulders

Cardio Difficulty: Moderate

Ice Skating

Ice skating is more than a fun date night or an outting with the family. Ice skating can be a great way to work your legs and cardiovascular system.

If you haven’t gone ice skating in a while, don’t worry about landing perfect triple axels. Focus on having fun and making it around the rink as often as possible in half an hour. Then, prepare for sore glutes and quads the next day. Not to mention, ice skating is an excellent calorie burner. According to Harvard Medical School, an hour of ice skating can burn between 200 and 300  calories.

Muscles Worked: Legs, Core

Cardio Difficulty: Low-Moderate

Ice Hockey

If you’re already good at ice skating, give ice hockey a try. There are intramural leagues for all ages in most areas with winter weather to support them.

Hockey is a challenging sport that will take your fitness to the next level.

Muscles Worked: Full-body

Cardio Difficulty: High

Sledding

Sledding is not just for kids. Grab a sled, tube, or saucer, and get out there!

After a few rounds of climbing back to the top of the hill, your legs will be toast, and your lungs will be in overdrive. Take a breather to make snow angels at the bottom, then sprint back up that hill.

Muscles Worked: Legs

Cardio Difficulty: Moderate

Shovel Snow

No need to fear that time of year when shoveling snow seems like a chore.

Shoveling snow provides an excellent leg, core, and arm workout. So, stop complaining and offer to shovel your neighbor’s walkway too. Thirty minutes of shoveling snow can help you burn up to 216 calories!

Muscles Worked: Legs, Core, Arms

Cardio Difficulty: Low-Moderate

Snowball Fight

What is the easiest way to get a great outdoor workout without paying any money? Play in the snow!

Playing in the snow can burn up to 200 calories in an hour. You will be having so much fun feeling like a kid again that you won’t even notice the great workout you’re getting.

Muscles Worked: Legs, Arms

Cardio Difficulty: Low – High

Build a Snow Fort

Playing in the snow is a fun way to get a great workout if you have young children or you’re a kid at heart. Try building a snow fort. Get the whole family involved and see who can create the best fort. Bonus points if you wear a weighted vest while you make your dream snow castle.

Muscles Worked: Erector spinae (low back), shoulders, legs

Cardio Difficulty: Low

Play Snow Games

Any game in the snow is more physically challenging. Tag, hide and seek, frisbee, and flag football are excellent for increasing the heart rate.

Muscles Worked: Full-body

Cardio: Low-High

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are winter activities that everyone will enjoy. Kids, older adults, and everyone in between can get a full-body workout on the slopes. Fitness benefits aside, skiing or snowboarding is a wonderful way to spend the day.

Muscles Worked: Full body

Cardio: Low

Cross-Country Skiing

Unlike downhill skiing, cross-country skiing is all you. Skiiers propel themselves across rugged, snowy terrain instead of using lifts. This is a great outdoor activity for those with solid aerobic conditioning.

Muscles Worked: Full body

Cardio: High

Bodyweight Training

As fun as it is to play in the snow, you can also take your workout routine outside. Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, jumping jacks, pull-ups, and push-ups are much more difficult in the snow.

Muscles Worked: Full body

Cardio: Low-Moderate

Kettlebell Training

Kettlebell swings in lousy weather sound like a good idea to me. Breathe in that cold winter air as you do cleans, snatches, and, dare I say…snow-angel get-ups?

Muscles Worked: Full-body

Cardio: Low-Moderate

Sandbag Training

The best part about sandbags is they are meant to take abuse. Enjoy those snowy days with a full-body strength training circuit of deadlifts, curls, overhead presses, and lunges. All you need is a hefty sandbag.

Muscles Worked: Full body

Cardio: Low-Moderate

Winter Walk

The last item on our list is the simple winter walk. Nothing wakes you up in the morning like a brisk walk around the neighborhood. According to the American Heart Association, walking 150 minutes per week can reduce your risk of serious disease, improve mental health, boost bone strength, and prevent weight gain.

Muscles Worked: Legs

Cardio: Low

Winter Fitness Activities Conclusion

Don’t let inclement weather stand in the way of improving your health. There are many ways to enjoy the winter months while remaining active. Stay consistent, and have fun!