All photos by Victoria Jane Photography

You remember how I said the winter bums me out? It's because I feel trapped inside all season - I really love exercising and practicing yoga outdoors, but the bone-chilling windy weather usually keeps me locked in. 🙅🏻 Well, you know what, I’ve decided come 2017 I'm done hibernating. I live in New York City where it’s cold more often than it is hot, so I just need to embrace it! And part of embracing the cold is finding the right apparel that moves with you.

I've partnered with the one and only lululemon to share with you what I'm doing to stay active this winter! If you're a summer baby like me, then let's get outdoors and stick it out together (drinking hot cocoa all the long way)!

1. Invest in Layers

I'm the queen of layers. I'll layer it up until my heart's content, and I may look ridiculous peeling off 10 layers one by one when I sit down at a restaurant, but whatevs (Andrew: That's p true). I can't get enough of lululemon's Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew top - it's the perfect lightweight base to layer under sweaters, jackets, etc. so you can still move your arms freely.

2. More Cardio

Primarily, yoga is my exercise of choice. While it can certainly get my heart rate up, there's something to be said about pure good cardio like jogging or cycling - it's very internally cleansing. To stay warm outdoors, you have to keep moving. I jogged around Central Park, sprinted up and down the stairs, and power-walked through the busy areas. Another form of cardio I cannot wait to partake in is ICE SKATING! Woah yes.

3. Keep Your Head Warm

We hold a lot of heat in our head - so, if you plan on exercising outdoors, be sure to keep this area covered. I love my Runderland Ear Warmer - it's a beautiful teal/blue color and is incredibly insulating. As soon as I popped this on, it was game on.

Why Outdoors?

To be completely frank, the winter can trigger seasonal depression in certain people (including me). I now recognize just how important it is to get outside (even if it's cold) and get your fill of Vitamin D. Staying active outdoors builds tolerance, which I seemed to lose somewhere along the way, ha (I'm working on it!) It also strengthens your heart, so you will all around feel much, much happier and more energized. NO ONE enjoys cabin fever, I tell ya. And certainly not the people around you.

From cycling around your neighborhood to jogging about the wintery landscape of your local park to gearing up for a ski trip, there's a lot of beauty to be found in the winter. And at the first sign of spring, you'll feel that much more rejuvenated and fulfilled.

Cheers to a gorgeous season ahead!

All photos by Victoria Jane Photography | @vmorris41

*Note: This post was sponsored by lululemon. All thoughts and opinions are completely (and always will be) my own. Thank you for your continued support, and for allowing me to write authentic content that I strongly believe in ! x Jules