Stay inside and exercise to beat winter blues

When the days are short and the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s easy to hang up the workout attire and take to hibernating instead. But with some creativity and motivation, it’s possible to stay active, despite the frosty weather and urge to diet on hot cocoa.
Research also suggests that staying active can help shake off the winter blues and maintain fitness throughout the season and into summer.
We’ve compiled some winter-proof fitness routines to keep you active and energetic through stormy days and nights.
• Easy home fitness: Invest in some dumbbells, an inflatable exercise ball and a slew of fitness DVDs and get fit in your living room.
• Jump rope: An intense workout, like jumping rope, can burn a mass amount of calories in a short time. The ropes are also inexpensive and light enough to pack for travel.
• Winter walks: During the isolation of winter, organizing community walks can help build motivation to bundle up and stride outside.
• Spinning: Cycling indoors will burn loads of calories while toning the legs and rear. Many gyms offer a class, or you can cycle alone on a stationary bike. Just crank up the music and pedal for an intense indoor workout.
• Pilates and yoga: Whether through DVD instruction or in a class, these mat-based exercises will strengthen the core by the time summer hits.
• Circuit training: Switch up activities to get a full-body workout by combining cardio and strength exercises. Start with a short cardio warm-up; then mix in bicep curls, squats and back extensions. Repeat the routine for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Dance: Groove the pounds away with salsa, freestyle, Zumba or hip-hop dance. They provide a full-body workout, toning the abs, glutes and legs while stuck indoors.
• Mall walking: Walking around an indoor mall or department store can help you burn calories while you get your errands done. To get the best use out of the time, alternate two-minute walking intervals of fast walking with your regular pace. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. But consider taking only enough cash for a bottle of water, or this could get expensive quickly.
• Get going today. That New Year’s resolution to lose weight in 2010 is calling your name.