Brrrr! It’s cold outside. But that’s no reason to abandon your fitness walking routine. Walking in cold weather requires a little extra planning and preparation, but it’s well worth the effort.

I love this verse because it makes it very clear that God desires for us to prosper in every area of our lives—spirit, soul and body. All three areas are vitally connected and we must not neglect our spiritual, emotional or physical development.

Did you know you will burn more calories walking in cold weather than you did pounding the pavement last summer? It’s true. So, get permission from your doctor, and then grab your walking shoes and get moving.

But, finish reading this article first so you’ll know what to wear, because proper winter walking attire is key to a good workout.

Lots of Layers

Layering T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets gives you the freedom to easily remove layers as your body heats up during your workout.

Layering breathable clothing is the way to go. The best selections are those made of synthetic fibers, because they provide good insulation while keeping moisture away from the skin. Cotton and silk are not good choices because they retain moisture and become wet very quickly—and wet equals cold.

Here’s a sample outfit for your cold weather workout: a pair of long underwear, a synthetic fleece shirt and a water-resistant windbreaker or rain jacket, (depending on the weather), mittens, and a toboggan that covers your head and ears. In some colder climates, you may need a facemask to provide protection from the harsh elements.

Cool Comfort

Comfort, of course, is a necessity when choosing your walking wardrobe. Look for sweatshirts, jackets, shirts, pants and leggings that move with you. Your clothing should not bind you, or inhibit your workout in any way. Clothes made of lycra or spandex are great because they keep you warm without restricting movement.

These Shoes Are Made for Walking

No matter what the weather, good walking shoes are a must. In fact, it’s the most important part of your attire. Your shoes should provide good support and offer a great fit. If not, you’ll experience blisters, calluses and all-around discomfort.

So, what makes a shoe perfect for walking? Good walking shoes should:

* Have arch supports

* Elevate the heel one-half to three-quarters of an inch above the sole of the foot

* Have uppers made of materials that breathe (Leather or nylon mesh are good choices).

* Have heavy rubber or crepe rubber soles

Other Equipment

If you have “a fanny pack,” you might want to strap it around your waist, and store your house key, lip balm, cell phone and a small bottle of water inside.

Remember, it gets darker earlier and stays darker longer in the wintertime, so this presents another clothing consideration. If you’re forced to walk at dawn or dusk, you may need to purchase some reflective tape strips to put on your winter workout outfits. Or, you could simply add a reflective vest over the top of your clothes. Also, you might want to invest in an adjustable cap with the one touch front light feature-perfect for joggers and walkers.

No matter the weather, walking is a great fitness activity, so don’t let a little of the white stuff keep you from your winter workout.