(HealthDay News) -- Most people can exercise comfortably in cold weather, assuming they bundle up. The prime concern is preventing hypothermia -- the loss of too much body heat.

The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions for exercising safely in the cold:

• Wear layers of clothing that you can peel away as you warm up.
• Keep your head, hands and feet warm with a hat, gloves and socks.
• Always check the weather before heading out. Don't exercise outdoors in dangerous conditions.
• Avoid cotton or tightly woven clothing, which may retain moisture next to the skin.
• If it's very cold, wear a scarf or mask to cover your nose and mouth.