When your requests to the weatherman aren’t getting through and the rain just keeps falling, actually getting out and exercising in it can be a great way to relieve cooped-up winter angst. However, you need to keep as dry as possible and never go out if it’s too cold. Damp clothing from sweat or water increases body-heat loss and thus increases the risk of hypothermia.

Keep your body and feet dry with wool, polypropylene, or other fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and retain insulating properties when the body is wet.

A deep gulp of cold water may be the last thing you want when there’s ice and snow as far as the eye can see, but you actually need as much water in cold weather as you do in hot. Dehydration affects your body’s ability to regulate heat and increases the risk of frostbite, so make sure you keep your fluids up when exercising in the cold. Instead of taking cold water with you, why not fill a bottle with hot water instead? It won’t stay hot for long, but at least it won't freeze in the bottle!

Remember to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these dehydrate. Alcohol also dilates blood vessels and increases heat loss, thereby increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Your barometer reading for staying indoors is a wind-chill factor of minus 20° F or colder. This is dangerously cold weather to exercise in. Any temperature below 20° F with a wind of 40 mph, or below minus 20° F with no wind means a dangerous wind-chill factor – time to position yourself in front of the TV – with an aerobics video of course! No excuses!

Winter cold brings icy surfaces, and with them the potential for bruises and broken bones. Keep your eyes on the ground, especially after dark when icy patches are harder to spot. Lightweight, crampon-like footgear that can be strapped to shoes or boots can help to improve traction on icy surfaces. Most camping and hiking stores carry such footwear.

Along with snow and rain, winter months bring early darkness. If you’re exercising in the dark as well as the cold, exercise with other people; the more the merrier – and the safer. Avoid unpopulated and poorly-lit areas after dark, and wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you.