Why endorphins (and exercise) make you happy

By Kristen Domonell, Daily Burn

Updated 1259 GMT (2059 HKT) January 13, 2016

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Winter is here -- and so is the cold air that makes you want to snuggle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. Many let the season's wrath keep them from exercising outdoors, but winter sports can offer great full-body workouts. So put down the cocoa, bundle up and head outside to try a few of these fun activities.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Get in a workout this winter – Winter is here -- and so is the cold air that makes you want to snuggle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. Many let the season's wrath keep them from exercising outdoors, but winter sports can offer great full-body workouts. So put down the cocoa, bundle up and head outside to try a few of these fun activities.

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Release a few endorphins, improve your flexibility and work on major muscle groups in your legs -- such as hamstrings, calves and quads -- as you burn at least 450 calories an hour snowboarding or skiing. Studies show that outdoor exercise can also improve moods and reduce levels of anxiety.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Snowboarding or downhill skiing – Release a few endorphins, improve your flexibility and work on major muscle groups in your legs -- such as hamstrings, calves and quads -- as you burn at least 450 calories an hour snowboarding or skiing. Studies show that outdoor exercise can also improve moods and reduce levels of anxiety.

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Cross-country skiing works every major part of your body, including shoulders, arms, back, chest, abs, butt and legs. You also burn more calories than in any other sport, according to Neal Henderson, sports science director at Colorado's Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Cross-country skiing – Cross-country skiing works every major part of your body, including shoulders, arms, back, chest, abs, butt and legs. You also burn more calories than in any other sport, according to Neal Henderson, sports science director at Colorado's Boulder Center for Sports Medicine.

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Ice skating is one winter sport that you can do indoors or outdoors. It's a great aerobic workout that burns up to 20 calories per minute and helps strengthen your core as you try to balance on the thin blades. So trade in your sneakers for figure skates and hit the ice.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Ice skating – Ice skating is one winter sport that you can do indoors or outdoors. It's a great aerobic workout that burns up to 20 calories per minute and helps strengthen your core as you try to balance on the thin blades. So trade in your sneakers for figure skates and hit the ice.

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Looking for a cardio-intensive sport? Hockey is it. Studies show that hockey boosts mental strength and focus and burns at least 470 calories an hour. It also improves flexibility and provides some of the same health benefits as ice skating.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Hockey – Looking for a cardio-intensive sport? Hockey is it. Studies show that hockey boosts mental strength and focus and burns at least 470 calories an hour. It also improves flexibility and provides some of the same health benefits as ice skating.

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Sledding incorporates a great workout with some winter fun. Climbing to the top of a hill to sled back down is great for leg muscles and can burn up to 400 calories an hour. Don't forget to take the kids!

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Sledding – Sledding incorporates a great workout with some winter fun. Climbing to the top of a hill to sled back down is great for leg muscles and can burn up to 400 calories an hour. Don't forget to take the kids!

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Shoveling snow may be a mundane task, but this winter activity is an aerobic exercise that burns up to 400 calories an hour. The heavier the snow, the more calories burned. But shoveling can be dangerous so be careful not to slip and fall.

Photos: Get in a workout this winter

Shoveling snow – Shoveling snow may be a mundane task, but this winter activity is an aerobic exercise that burns up to 400 calories an hour. The heavier the snow, the more calories burned. But shoveling can be dangerous so be careful not to slip and fall.

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