With the onset of cold weather, many native Utah animals that we know and love begin a period of hibernation. Some species fall under the category of “obligate hibernators,” or those that will enter hibernation each year regardless of outside circumstances. While others, “facultative hibernators,” will enter hibernation when either cold stressed, food deprived, or both. While it may be tempting for us to want to curl up and sleep out these cold months, there are many advantages to staying active during the winter. Here are 7 reasons why maintaining an active winter lifestyle outdoors is more beneficial than hitting the gym:

1. You’ll strengthen your heart
Cold weather makes your heart work harder to distribute blood throughout the body. As long as your heart and body are used to some exercise in the cold, the continued activity in cold conditions strengthens your heart muscles and provides cardiovascular endurance for future workouts and life stresses. Just be sure to make your way to high ground, like Toll Canyon Park City, in the case of inversion.

2. You’ll burn more calories
While all of us are different when it comes to burning calories, generally the body has to work harder to maintain its core temperature in cold weather as opposed to a workout inside. This may just be the extra push you need to opt for the outdoors! So bust out the backcountry skis and take advantage of a few Snake Creek Canyon runs.