Getting outside to exercise in the winter ... a local running enthusiast says it's good for our mental and physical health to not take a break when the mercury dips to chilly temperatures.

Greg Penner says exercising in winter while living in a colder climate like Manitoba presents a challenge but prefers it to the alternative, which is a grumpy attitude. Maureen Owens is the Healthy Living Facilitator with Southern Health and she says being inactive during the winter can have negative health consequences because exercising helps with stress, gives the body more energy, provides a better sleep, maintains muscle mass, and aids in cardiovascular health.

Penner says the most important thing is to dress appropriately and his mom always told him to put on layers when dressing for colder temperatures.

"You need something that blocks the wind, start there, something that keeps you warm underneath that, and then another layer that keeps the sweat off your body."

Owens says the layer closest to your body should be a moisture-wicking layer and also suggests good socks, head coverage, and footwear which will have a good grip on snow or ice. She adds it's also important to wear reflective clothing as there are shorter daylight hours and running in the dark is a greater possibility.

Penner notes, "You have to be seen so there's a lot of reflectors you can put on your gear, a lot of jackets now have that, your shoes have reflectors. I say wear an LED headlamp, something where you can be visible to all the drivers out there."

Troy Warkentin is another local running enthusiast. Warkentin says he tries to get outside, even in the winter, to stay active and healthy. He agrees layers are important, especially when it comes to blocking out the wind.

"Finding some good clothing that can be added or removed depending on the weather, the wind, more importantly, the wind. You need something to be able to protect yourself from that biting cold. Certainly, layering is important and doing a proper warm-up before you go out."

Owens says people need at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every week. She notes that could be in the form of ten to fifteen-minute intervals.

"The kind of activity where you're getting your heart rate up, you're breathing a little harder. That could be a brisk walk, cross-country skiing, you might be sweating a little bit, breathing a little harder, that's what we consider moderate to vigorous activity."

Penner adds outdoor exercise in winter does not have to be in the form of running, there's also cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, or skating. He adds some exercise is better than none at all adding starting with a ten-minute walk and working up from there is a good way to begin and isn't too intimidating.

Warkentin says over the years his wife has been his running partner and it's been good to have someone to hold him accountable and keep him on track, especially on days when he would prefer not to run.