No more excuses! Just because the weather’s cold, that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise! Here are some simple solutions to your cold weather challenges, courtesy of Health magazine.

• Excuse #1: “It’s so cold, I’ll freeze.” The solution? Start your workout heading into the wind. Vicki Mitchell, head running coach at the University of Buffalo, says if you start with the wind at your back, you’re more likely to sweat. Then when you turn around and head home, you’ll get cold. So do the most challenging stretch first. Pay attention to your body. If your fingers, face or toes start to feel numb within the first 5 minutes, go back indoors and hit the treadmill. If the windchill factor is less than 10 below, stay inside for your workout.
• Excuse #2: “It gets dark too early.” Stick to well-lit routes that let you see at least a few feet ahead, and add some reflective tape to your clothes. Also, always make sure you run facing traffic so you can see what’s coming.
• “My face and lips chap.” To avoid windburn, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your face, and a thick balm like Blistex to your lips. Chapping can also be a sign that you’re dehydrated. It’s a common winter problem, so try drinking more water throughout the day.

Now - get outside and go for a run! Once you get past the excuses, the rest will come easy.