Hate Exercising in the Cold? Here's How to Stay Fit when It's Cold Outside

It's snowing outside and the thermostat reads a chilly 15 degrees. There is no way I am heading out jogging in this, I would freeze to death. I can't miss another workout though, so what options do I have? There is always the gym or running up and down the stairs in my apartment complex, but those are boring. I need something new that still makes me feel like I had a good workout. It's that time again, time to spice up that boring gym workout.

Create your own circuit: Running on the treadmill for 90 minutes to build your cardiovascular system while you stare at the same wall or TV screen gets old fast. By creating your own circuit workout you can stay active, without the boring. Try riding the bike for 15 minutes, then switching to the treadmill for 15 minutes, then the elliptical for 15 minutes, then head back to bike and repeat. Two sets of that and you've got your 90 minutes. You can also try alternating weights between each cardio machine.

Play in an indoor sport. Get a team together and play indoor soccer, basketball, racquetball, or make up your own new game. Find others in your same situation, those burning with desire to work out and stay in shape in this horrible weather, and start a team. Many gyms and public recreation departments have basketball courts or open gyms that you can reserve for an hour at a time for a small fee. Reserve your time and get everyone together. This is also a great way to expand your social circle.

Take a class. Join a spinning, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, or aerobics class. Most gyms will let you take a class for a small fee even if you do not have a membership at their facility. Search your local news paper or classified for private classes to join.

Buy home work out DVDs. When someone mentions home workout tapes my mind always turns to the eighties tapes with Jane Fonda in tights and a leotard. Luckily for us they have updated the work out DVDs. You can get a tape for just about any kind of work out. They cost anywhere from ten dollars up. They are a great way to keep working out, even if you are snowed in. Get a few different tapes and invite friends over to do the works outs with you.

Cold weather and icy roads don't have to mean staying on your couch doing nothing. Get creative and start looking. Embrace the cold by skiing, building a snow man or shoveling snow. They burn a lot of calories and build lean muscle. You can stay active in the winter and have fun too.