Keeping active in winter isn’t just important for your waistline, it also helps keep your body strong and your immune system in tip-top shape. So, if a chilly weather forecast is keeping you from enjoying your regular outdoor exercise, consider an activity indoors.

Exercising in winter presents its own set of unique challenges. It gets dark early. It can be chilly. It can be hard to keep motivated. Why bother?At this time of year, the biggest barrier to regular physical activity can be our own mindset. Our brains can be very clever at convincing us not to do the best thing for ourselves. Do you feel like you need some help to tame your own lack of motivation? Here’s five common excuses and how to beat them.