Staying Active and Fit During the Fall and Winter

Keeping active and fit during the Fall and Winter can be very challenging. It can be very tempting to make a bowl of popcorn and pop in a movie on a cold rainy or snowy day. Will power and motivation are a little harder to come by when the days are shorter and the sun's not shining. Here are some ideas for keeping busy that you just might like.

Walking is always great exercise. You can bundle up and walk outside any time. There are others options. Many malls open early in the morning just for people to walk. It's also a great way to socialize. Groups of people meet at the same time every day to walk and talk. Afterward they often grab a coffee or do some shopping. Who doesn't like to shop. Of course you can always walk indoors on a treadmill or join a gym. Some of the gyms are offering memberships for as little as ten dollars a month.

Join your local YWCA or YMCA. They have great programs at affordable prices. Our Y has two swimming pools. They offer water fitness classes or you can just swim laps at your own pace. It's a great exercise at any age and doesn't put a lot of strain on your body. Go for a swim then hit the sauna to fell refreshed and relaxed.

Indoor rock climbing facilities are becoming increasingly popular. The kids love them too. They are a great way to stay healthy and have fun no matter what the weather is like.

Dancing lessons are hot right now. All the new t.v. programs have brought about a new interest in dance. It's not just your same old tap, jazz and ballet. It's beautiful, sexy and elegant. Ballroom, Latin, Salsa and even Pole dancing are in. Whether you want to get in shape, learn to dance or even compete lessons are a great place to start. You'll have fun make friends and learn something new. What better way to spend a winter day.

If you happen to have a lot of time on your hands, you may want to consider volunteering. Local schools, libraries nursing homes and hospitals are always in need of help. You can keep fit and make someone else's day better at the same time. You could even volunteer to mow an elderly person's yard, shovel snow or grocery shop. It's a real feel good activity.

Don't forget to take advantage of the time you spend indoors. You can do some of those home improvement projects that you've been putting off. Painting walls and ceilings, wallpapering, refinishing floors and even just some good old cleaning can get your heart pumping and your blood flowing.

The winter months can go by faster than you think. Don't put off enjoying the outside activities, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skating are only here for a limited time. Bundle up and hit the snow. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight. The couch and the hot chocolate will still be there when you come in.