Michelle Poirot believes in making movement accessible.

The health coach, who has trained runners for a decade, offers running groups, integrative health coaching and low-cost informational classes through her business Ceiling: Unlimited.

Most importantly, she said she teaches her clients to develop a mindset that all movement counts.

Below are her top tips for staying active during the winter.

1. Shift expectations

The winter months present challenges to staying active, from the shorter days to navigating ice-covered sidewalks.

“Sometimes we just give up on (working out) and then we experience guilt and shame, especially in this month around things like resolution,” Poirot said.

To prevent the shame spiral, she recommends people to avoid viewing working out from a black-and-white perspective. Maybe it makes sense to alter a workout by making it shorter or less intense. Alternatively, it could be choosing a different type of exercise or simply taking a rest day.

“Resetting expectations is important,” Poirot said.

2. Invest in good gear

Adequate gear can go a long way when it comes to preparing to venture into the chilly outdoors. Poirot suggests purchasing a warmer layer, technology such as Yaktrax or investing in hand warmers. She goes into further detail on how to stay warm and safe during walking and running adventures in a free video on her website.

“A little bit of indulgence around gear makes it a heck of a lot easier for people to go outside,” she said.

3. Set a date on the calendar with a friend

Poirot sometimes slips on a pair of headphones to run with her sister, who lives in New York City. It’s motivating for Poirot because she doesn’t want to be lounging in her house while her sister is out on a run.

Maybe it’s planning a walk or a class with a friend at one of Bend Park and Recreation’s facilities such as Larkspur Community Center or Juniper Swim and Fitness Center.

4. Find your favorite winter activity

For those who aren’t fans of the cold, a favorite winter activity might be indoors. It’s possible to stay active inside through an indoor class at a local gym or yoga studio, some of which are accessible online.

Poirot suggests getting creative and pursuing all kinds of movement. It could mean lifting a 40-pound bag of dog food multiple times, she said.

“The key is recognizing how you’re going to feel after any tiny workout that you do versus not doing it at all. And sometimes that’s the motivation that gets people to do it,” Poirot said.

Poirot is leading a Winter Warm-Up Daily Movement Challenge for movers of all types. Participants are challenged to engage in movement they enjoy every day for 30 days. The challenge begins with a kick-off on Feb. 18 and ends with a celebration on March 17.