Even though many of us are trying to stay home as much as possible to lower the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, going outside for a little exercise is a good way to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

A little sunshine and movement helps your body pump out endorphins, which elevate your mood, and we all know the benefits exercise has on the body.

Lucky for us, we live in Tucson, where winter doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. In fact, it’s the perfect time to get outside for exercise. You can walk, jog, skate, ride a bike or do body-weight exercises.

Not sure where to go? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Your own neighborhood

This might not sound like a huge epiphany, but sometimes people just don’t think about staying in their neighborhood to go for a walk or a bike ride. And it’s the most convenient. Make it interesting by taking different streets each time.

The Loop

Chuck Huckelberry Loophere Huckelberry Loop, a system of multi-use paths that connect the Cañada del Oro, Rillito, Santa Cruz and Pantano River Parks with the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenway. The city also has more than 130 miles of paved pathways and bike lanes that are easily accessible all across town. Pick a spot and walk, bike, skate or jog. Find a map here.

Hiking trails

Sabino Canyon“stone house” on the Yetman trail. Why stay indoors when you can navigate the incline of a trail? Some of our favorite spots are Sabino Canyon on the eastside and the westside’s “stone house” on the Yetman trail.

Neighborhood park

Some of the city and county parks, such as Udall and Reid Park, have walking paths around them. Or opt to kick a ball around, do yoga or body-weight exercises such as push-ups, squats and lunges in the grass.

Your backyard

OK, we know this doesn’t sound sexy, but if you don’t want to leave the house, but want to get some exercise outside, hit the backyard. Do walking lunges back and forth, chase the dog or kid, do wall-sits against the house, or bring your yoga mat outside to re-center.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had an exercise routine, make sure to check with your primary care provider before starting one. Don't have a primary care provider? Find one here.