Winter can be a tough time of year to stay fit. As the frigid days turn into weeks, the weeks seem to turn into pounds. Many of us linger in the heated indoors, getting pasty from lack of sunshine, sometimes lethargic, often a tad moody.

But getting active in the outdoors doesn’t have to be a chore, even for those of us who dislike the cold. After years of winter-based complaints, I recently discovered this when I tried out some of my Christmas presents—a warm winter jacket, snowpants and a hat—and went outside; it was shocking the difference proper gear made. Though I'd had somewhat decent apparel before, the difference that December was I had vowed to stay active and have fun doing it for the sake of my two young girls. I was ready to look winter in the eye. So if this is your year to stay fit and have fun outside, here’s our list of gentle reminders on just how to do it.