It's a brand new year and many of us have set brand new resolutions. Getting out and exercising more could be at the top of many people's list for 2007. While New Years gym-goers are sure to renew those ancient memberships, others may set their sights on taking regular jogs around their neighborhood or park. But the weather is still cold so running outside is something that requires a certain degree of safety.

A humorous take on runner's safety in the cold is best exemplified by Doctor Melvin Hershkowitz. In a funny third-person tone, he wrote an autobiographical account of how taking a jog in freezing temperatures rendered the man's genital glans "frigid, red, and anesthetic to light touch." Don't worry, he recovered.

But the moral of the story stands: boxers won't protect you all by themselves. Another concern the author tackles is frozen lungs. Interestingly enough, this is nothing more than a common myth as many doctors assure the only way this symptom can occur is if the runner is dead. Although the cold, dry atmosphere can induce "runner's asthma," our bodies are well-adapted and warm the air going into the lungs. So is running in the cold dangerous? Only if you don't bundle up properly (or don breezy underwear).

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If you've got a good thing going in the form of an outdoor fitness routine, don't let cold weather and a few snow flurries deter you. Although it's a simple thing to do, continuing with your morning jog through the winter months does take some preparation -- in the way of clothes and gear -- in order to stay warm and safe.

One of my favorites is the Zula ZigZag Earphone Hat, cuz it's not only a hat with headphones built right in, but it's also really cute! And my other favorite has got to be The Northface Flask -- it's designed to sling over your shoulder and it's heated.

See the slide show of fun, useful, and stylish winter gear to help keep your cold-weather-workout on track this season.

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