Winter is is full bloom in most of the US with it more severe in some parts of the country. That does not mean you should hibernate for the winter. Go our and get your exercise to stay in shape throughout the winter.
However, use common sense for winter exercise. Perhaps, seek advice from a friend or relative who normally does sports like cross-country skiing. Temperatures at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below can get pretty dangerous, so you have to dress up well. It is better to dress in multiple layers to block air from escaping. Remember that wind-chill should factor in to temperatures. A 20 degree Fahrenheit temperature with a wind of 40 mph would be the equivalent of -20 degrees Fahrenheit without any wind. Therefore, even a 40 degrees Fahrenheit with a 40 mph wind could equal zero Fahrenheit without wind. Researchers think that about 50% of heat is lost from the head, so wear a thermal cap to keep your head warm, ditto for feet and hands. What you have to worry about the extreme cold is frostbite and the dangers of hypothermia. Cold weather is great for running and walking. The greater the intensity the warmer you will keep. Therefore, if you don't run just walk. Winter is also a great time to spend some time exercising indoors, like swimming in an indoor heated pool or using a gym, especially for some strength training (light weights). I of course have never used a gym; I do walk, swim and bicycle all year including the North-East winters, but you must take care not to slip on ice spots (black ice) especially on a bicycle. Here are some winter exercise ideas, please review the pictures at the link from skiing to snowshoe walks and other indoor activity.
If you live in a warm place, then you want to dress down for outdoor exercise (run, walk and bicycle). Cotton clothing is great for the warm weather as it retains the moisture and helps keep your body cool. In the winter you want the opposite, you want moisture to be whisked away from your skin, so cotton is unsuitable as a winter exercise garb. Staying hydrated is essential for warm, hot and humid weather. If it is very hot, then you got to reduce the intensity. However, endurance athletes have trained their bodies to perform for long periods in hot weather. I have run marathons in temperates over 80 degrees when I was well trained for the event. For general fitness, 20-30 minutes of run/jog/walk for three times a week is more than enough for a cardio workout with some other activity on other days. Diversifying your activity is an insurance against immediate or later injuries.
Other readings: Evolutionary fitness; Bicycling in the winter; Swimming away; Running long - less is equal to more; Getting rid of those extra pounds; Getting fit; 2wheels.
Other resources from the American Council on Exercise:
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