For many, it's hard to think about stepping outside to do something active, especially when it's very cold.

Despite the chilly temperatures outside, some people are able to still get out, enjoy winter recreational activities, and get some exercise.

But for those who can’t, there are ways to stay active during the cold winter months.

Officials with the local health unit say there are many free activities available to the public and doing something fun can make it easier to get moving.

“Especially in northern Ontario, try to think outside the box. So, try some skating, some swimming, or maybe even indoor walking if it's too cold or dark outside." said Carol Craig, of Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

City of Greater Sudbury offers one free swim each week as part of the Feel Free to Feel Fit program at the following facilities:

  • Gatchell Pool – Saturdays 2:30 to 3:55 pm until June 8th
  • Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre – Fridays 7:30 to 8:30 pm until June 14th
  • Nickel District Pool – Fridays 6:30 to 7:55 until June 8th
  • Onaping Pool – Saturdays 1 to 2:55 pm until April 27th
  • R.G. Dow Pool – Sundays 2:30 to 3:55 pm

Residents can also receive free return transportation through Greater Sudbury Transit.

The city also has free indoor walking programs at the following community centres until March 2019:

  • Capreol – Thursdays 10 to 11:30 am
  • Centennial – Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 am
  • Chelmsford – Thursdays 10 to 11:30 am
  • Dr. Edgar Leclair Community Centre and Arena – Tuesday and Thursdays 10 to 11:30 am
  • Garson Community Centre and Arena - Tuesday and Thursdays 10 to 11:30 am
  • McClelland – Thursdays 11 am to 12:30 pm
  • Onaping Falls – Wednesdays 11:30 am to 1 pm
  • T.M. Davies  - Tuesday and Thursdays 10 to 11:30 am

Health unit officials say they are some safety tips to follow if you do venture out in these temperatures for some exercise.

"Make sure that you do stay hydrated with water. Drink water before, during, and after activity. As well, making sure that your exposed skin has sunscreen applied. SPF, we always think about it at summer time, but winter time it's really important because the sun reflects off the ice and snow." said Craig.

But, staying fit outside during the winter isn't for everyone.

Here is what some in Sudbury told CTV News:

"It’s too cold for me to workout outside and I really love coming to this fitness centre. We try to get here every day on our lunch, workout for about 30 minutes, and then walk back up the hill to work." said one person to CTV News.

"During the winter months and the summer months, I come to the gym, normally Monday to Friday. I also do fun activities outside during the winter, like ice fishing. I try to run outside when it's not too icy, and also getting out skidooing and things like that with my family."

"Even simple things like shoveling the driveways and the walkways, that's even considered exercise, so just being outside and enjoying the outdoors."

For those who are wanting to get more physically fit while enjoying the outdoors, the health unit wants to let the public know, that all libraries in the Greater Sudbury area allow you to rent out snowshoes, all you need is a library card.