While going outside to exercise is a challenge in colder weather, the benefits still outweigh the risks, experts say.
And walking - even for only 30 minutes a day - is a great way to keep healthy and drive the blues away, said Dr. Bob Sallis, physician and sports medicine expert.
As the spokesman for the Kaiser Permanente's national Every Body Walk campaign, Sallis advocates the benefits of walking - even in the cold, he said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.
Sallis said regular walking can be a great deterrent to conditions including cancer, dementia, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.
"The evidence supporting regular walking for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease is inarguable," he said. And whether it's walking or running, ultimately any method of exercise is good for health.
But don't forget to dress properly for cold-weather walking, health expert Chris Freytag said. Freytag is the founder of the health site Get Healthy U.
"Walking outdoors can improve mood and it's good for your body," she told the Free Press.
For cold weather, the rule of three applies, she said. Wearing three layers of clothing serves a distinct purpose.
Freytag said the first layer should be tight against the skin and be made from a moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat at bay. The second should be an insulating layer to hold the heat. The third layer should be a protective material to keep out the weather elements like snow and rain. Cover the head and hands when it's very cold, she said.
For the bottom half, Freytag suggests running tights with a pair of comfortable pants on top. And shoes should be specifically made for winter walking, preferably a heavy-duty shoe with slip resistance. Moisture-wicking socks are a must, she said.
Her other suggestions? Go walk in a group, and choose the safest route to avoid slipping on ice and snow.
Walking can be the daily exercise of choice, or it can lead to other activities.
Brian Flemming lost 400 pounds by walking and cutting back on sweets and alcohol and now runs road races, he told CNN.com.
"For me, the biggest key to my success was starting off small (walking in place five minutes each morning) and gradually adding to that," he told CNN.com. "Consistency was a huge part of it," Flemming said. He set up a website, Team 383, for people to share their own stories and struggles in a judgment-free environment.
But ultimately regardless of the temperature, walking is a way to help prevent chronic disease and produce sunny results.
"You burn the same calories whether you run or walk a mile; walking just takes longer," Sallis said. "Pretty much anyone can do it and you don't need any special equipment."
