From cabin fever to New Year’s resolutions and positive health goals, there are plenty of great reasons to get moving this winter. Here are some inspiring ideas for transforming any winter weather day into an opportunity for adventure. Also see our safety precautions to ensure you stay healthy and active all winter long.

Get out in the cold – with others

Want to break the dulling spell of cabin fever, but lack motivation for taking a brisk walk? Why not sign up to exercise dogs at a local shelter? It’s a fun way to stay active and make a few furry friends, too.

Since winter can be a challenging time of year to connect with your community, try planning a neighborhood clean up or nighttime group walk to coax everyone into the elements. Other ideas: Pick up your heart rate by gathering friends to toss a disc or play soccer, or even try climbing stairs at a sports stadium.

Embrace getting wet

Raining outside? Why not jump into an indoor pool? If swimming laps isn’t your style, try water-walking. Sometimes done with weights and buoys for extra resistance, water walking is ideal for those new to fitness. Plus, it provides cardio benefits, boosts circulation, and is easy on the joints. Group pool activities, like water polo and water aerobics, are also excellent low impact workouts. And if your goal is to engage kids in some rainy day exercise, a game of Marco Polo is a great motivator.

If you live in a temperate climate, contemplate braving the elements by plunging into open water for an exhilarating swim. “Polar bear” swim groups offer the thrill of a dip in chilly waters. Some clubs — like San Francisco’s historical Dolphin Club — provide hot showers and saunas for the post-swim thaw.

Slip ’n slide

The sound of skate blades gliding across a frozen pond is one of the true delights of winter. Skating is an excellent overall workout, and even in moderate climates outdoor rinks pop up during winter months. Don’t have skates? Try “ broom hockey. ” All you need are sneakers (plus knee/elbow pads and gloves for prudent players), a soccer ball and a clutch of old brooms.

If the needle really drops below freezing, find an indoor skating rink. Circling the ice for an hour burns as many calories as a four-mile run.

Play in the snow

If there’s enough light snow, gather neighbors for a game of “ powderball” — touch football in the drifts. Or, take the kids on an animal tracking “ snow-fari” and count how many different tracks you find. Snow hiking is blissful. Even well trodden routes take on magical dimensions when engulfed in whiteness.

Shoveling snow is an excellent weight-bearing exercise. So why not skip the snow blower and engage in a little friendly competition? See who can clear a sidewalk or driveway the fastest. Or, if your neighbor’s not around, do a good deed and clear their driveway for them as well to get an even longer workout.