(KUTV) The cold, winter months are keeping many of you indoors.

In fact, you may use the weather as an excuse not to exercise.

Experts say you need to stay fit, even if the snow is falling.

“Cardiovascular exercise is actually been shown to help out with mood," said Patrick Troumbley, an exercise physiologist with the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

He says exercising not only helps fight the blues during the winter months, but exercising also helps you to get in shape for the summer.

“The big thing is it helps you get ready for the bathing suit season,” Patrick said. “With springtime around the corner, you want to start training for what is going to be happening in the next 3 months.”

Snowshoes, skiing and even shoveling your driveway are all great ways to burn calories.

You can also use the next few months to prepare for your favorite spring or summer activities.

“There are a lot of great activities that you can sign up for, like a race. And if you have a race and a training program that you are getting ready for, you kind of have yourself on a schedule.”

Whether you are running at the gym, or hitting the slopes, Patrick says you need to remember to eat health and drink lots of water.

“In the winter time, if you are outdoors, stay hydrated. This is one of the biggest problems with people exercising, in the winter time; people don’t realize they are thirsty.”

(Copyright 2012 Sinclair Broadcasting Group)Stay Active During Cold Winter Months