Exercising outside is awesome. It can be a great way to get some fresh air and vitamin D, but it's important to take extra precautions during the colder months. And at times, it might be a better idea to just workout inside instead. Here are a few things to consider before your workout, inside or out, during the winter.

1.  Warm up properly: The primary purpose of a warm-up before a workout is to raise your body temperature. Your muscles, much like rubber bands, stretch and contract more easily when they are warm. In the summer, this is much easier, and you may find yourself warm when you walk into the gym. In the winter, you might need to spend some extra time on the treadmill warming up, and dressing in layers when exercising outside is a must.
2.  Consider air quality: In the winter months, especially in the Salt Lake Valley, the air quality can be horrible outside, and more people driving can make the air in urban areas even worse. This air can be bad for you with prolonged exposure. If you run outside regularly, you might want to consider an indoor track or treadmill.
3.  Choose the right footwear: When traveling outside, make sure your shoes have good traction to prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces. Consider wearing waterproof boots with good insulation. If you then make your way to an indoor gym, your boots might track in snow, ice, and road salt and sludge, leaving the gym floor gross. In the winter, I usually wear a different pair of shoes into the gym, switch shoes before my workout, and then change back when I leave, leaving the gym floor cleaner than outside.
4.  Stay hydrated: It's important to stay hydrated, even in cold weather, as water helps our bodies regulate their temperature. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout, and consider an electrolyte supplement.

By following these tips, you can stay safe and warm while enjoying your winter workouts. Remember, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you work out, as precipitation and fog can make an outdoor winter workout even worse.