Even if you're good about getting daily physical activity during the spring, summer, and fall, chances are that when winter comes you spend more time in bed, do less light physical activity such as strolling around or taking care of housework, and shorten the time you spend exercising.

This may happen because it's dreary and cold outside, it gets too dark for later-day outdoor exercise, or you're susceptible to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), so you’re feeling fatigued and blue.

But neglecting your fitness routine makes you vulnerable to depression, weight gain, cardiovascular problems, and loss of muscle tone.

Here are four ways to make sure winter doesn't put a chill on your efforts to have a healthier, happier life:

1. Take a class. Go to the local YMCA, gym, or exercise studio and discover the joys of yoga, tai chi, or a spin, stretch, or chisel class.

2. Walk the mall. Climate-controlled and big enough to get in 10,000 steps each session, you can't go wrong at the mall. And it's easy to grab a cup of joe when you're done.

3. Work out at home. Try TV and online exercise classes — they're available for every level and any interest. And get your heart pumping by marching and jumping in place, walking up and down stairs, and doing planks, pushups, and lunges.

4. Enjoy indoor sports. Tennis, pickleball, basketball, squash, racquetball, and swimming are often available at city park facilities and gyms and through local clubs.