If there's anything to gripe about in the fall, it's the oncoming winter and the suffocating cold elements that it brings. For anyone who loves the outdoors — and especially for individuals who regularly exercise outside — the winter can be a stuffy season that forces routines to be abandoned until the spring. All too often, this breaks the good workout habits forged over the past three seasons and rings in the spring with a sedentary lifestyle.

But if you're serious about keeping up with your workout regimen throughout the winter, you have some options available to you. Start planning now so that you're ready for winter's unforgiving cold and snow before it hits in full force.

Brace yourself against the elements

If you have the guts to do it, you might try maintaining your workout routine throughout the winter cold. At the very least, this will require an upgrade in your workout attire — you'll need to invest in pants, jackets, gloves, hats and thermal under layers that protect you from low temperatures and harsh winter winds.

Make sure your outer layer is waterproof to protect you from melting snow and icy rain. Of course, be sensible when you plan your runs. Don't tempt fate by working out amid a blizzard, and always let a friend or family member know when you're headed outside for a workout, and where you plan to go.

Find comfort — and community — indoors

When temperatures drop, many people opt to take their exercise routine to a local fitness center. The majority of these centers are membership-based and offer a range of exercise equipment, as well as exercise programs and personal trainers, if you are interested. This is the most expensive way to maintain your workouts throughout the winter, but many people find a gym membership motivating and enjoy going to exercise among their peers.

Envisioning an in-home fitness center

Working out at a gym may be a fine way to get a workout, but for the price you might consider the benefits of purchasing fitness equipment for your home. With just a few basic pieces of equipment you can gift yourself with a variety of exercises and workout routines, and do so at a reduced cost compared to the long-term cost of a gym membership.

In-home weight sets are a popular and practical place to start. These free weights won't cost you much, but even a basic set provides a range of exercises you can perform to get the strength training you desire. Stationary equipment such as exercise bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines can also be of great use and give you an outlet for a good cardiovascular workout. You can even round out your exercise space with smaller items like exercise bands — these are low-cost, take up very little space and can be incorporated into a number of workouts and stretches.

However you exercise during the winter, the most important thing is that you keep up with your regimen despite the complications. Taking the winter off can be a huge setback to your training, and it will hurt your overall health as well. Figure out what works for you and create a winter exercise routine that you can stick with until the outdoors starts to warm up again.

Danielle writes on behalf of Sears and other brands she uses.

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