There are two kinds of people in the places of the world that receive a dollop of snow every year.

The first break out snowboards, chain their bike tires, and plan downhill ski trips when only a dusting of snow has fallen. The others wince at the thought of getting on a snowboard, and consider an extreme winter activity to be trying their hands at a new casserole recipe.

This article is for the latter—the people who still crave the outdoors during the cold months, but either can’t take the risk of shattering a knee (can anyone?) or simply have already tried their hands and feet at winter sports, but have discovered they’re simply terrible at—or just don’t enjoy—most of them. And then there’s the gym, which is a sweaty, smelly place the runners of summer inhabit when their trails are snow-covered for months. The expensive span of gym machines and equipment can easily be replaced with a few activities, for about the same price.

There’s still hope for getting outdoors, or at least away from a gym, and getting active in the winter. Staying warm is on you, though.

Walking

Walking is underrated, and according to the American Heart Association, it has the lowest drop-out rate of any physical activity. Walking improves blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and lowers the risk of obesity. Not to mention doing it in the winter is a great way to recreate that song from the 30s, “Winter Wonderland.” Walking is also a good way to keep your heart rate up, and keep you burning calories without doing any high-impact activities. It’s safer than running, and better on your joints. Walking is a win-win situation made better with a snowy vista to look at for a while.

The factor that often scares walkers away for the winter is the ice, and for good reason. It’s easy to go tromping in fresh snow and accidentally uncover a patch of ice. A good pair of shoe traction devices can make a huge difference for runners and walkers alike. Yaktrax makes the Walker Snowshoe, retailing at less than $20. For something a little more intense with spikes instead of coils like on the Yaktrax, Kahtoola makes the MICROspikes Traction System, coming in at $65.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing has the tendency to get the cold shoulder from its supposedly cooler older sibling, downhill skiing. Cross-country is slower, less experience-based, and less intense overall, but many people find all of these aspects to be positive ones. The slower pace allows for more control from the skier, and gives a little time to stop and check out the scenery. The sport requires little training and practice, making it fairly easy to get into. With cross-country skiing, the only part of the boot that is connected to the ski is at the toe, leaving the heel free to push off. It’s a little like doing the moonwalk forward, and is a great low-impact sport that anyone of any age, experience, stature, or athletic ability can do. It works every part of the body, providing a great workout that doesn’t feel too strenuous. It’s fairly affordable, as well. The sport requires very little technical gear besides the skis, boots, bindings, and poles. Rental fees can range anywhere from $10-20, and lessons can range from $20-40, depending on the location. Buying the full set of gear can get expensive, if brand new. Sets can run anywhere from $300-800, depending on the brand and type. If you’re ready to buy a set for yourself, make sure you know what you need, what you’re getting, and make sure to explore all the options.

Snowshoeing

Another great workout similar to walking is snowshoeing. It’s easy to get a good cardio workout and enjoy the outdoors without worrying about slipping or sliding when you’re perched atop the snow. It’s similar to walking in the sand, so it’s not quite as smooth of a ride as cross-country skiing, but with the same health benefits. The shoes sink into the snow a bit, so lifting your legs up and out provides a great workout. Snowshoeing can also be done almost anywhere—ski lodges, golf courses, national and state parks, resorts, and anywhere that is covered with snow. Renting a pair of snowshoes can come in anywhere between $10-20, making it affordable as well. Buying a pair brand new can run anywhere from $100-300, and up. Gear wise, it’s simple as well. After the shoes and poles, all you need is a good pair of waterproof boots, and a coat that has good breathability. You will be working up a sweat.

Swimming

I know, it’s not most people’s first option for a winter activity. But it’s a wonderful and warm change from freezing in a cold car or even exposing yourself to the elements. A lot of schools have family open swim and will set aside a few rows for people to swim laps. Community centers will also usually offer open swim. Swimming can be an extremely intense cardio activity, depending on how hard you push yourself, and is literally no impact, unless you run into wall. The water keeps your body temperature down, and there’s no sweat—that you can see—so the activity as a workout can come in a disguise. The warmth your body creates will stay with you once you’re out of the pool as well, and it’s a great, usually free, alternative to the elliptical.

Hot Yoga

There are few things that are better than stepping foot inside a 100-degree yoga studio in the dead of winter. It’s even better in the middle of a polar vortex. While hot yoga doesn’t take you outside, it does battle the cold and keeps you warm for hours after the practice is over. If you’re already a practicing yogi, a trip to a hot yoga studio could be a pleasant change. If you’ve never practiced yoga before, there are almost always beginner classes at studios, and getting started only requires a mat and a towel, both of which are usually for rent at a studio. Yoga packages can get pricey, but most studios have introductory offers less than or around $50. They’ve got a pretty big heat bill to pay.

Main image courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/Wikimedia Commons Secondary image courtesy of j-wildman/iStock