Top 10 Indoor Exercise Ideas for Winter

Now that winter is here, with its cold and rainy weather and fewer hours of daylight, you may find it difficult to keep up with your favorite exercise routine. But take heart - there are many options for winter indoor fitness. Here you'll find ten of the most popular:

Zumba

Their motto is "Ditch the workout, join the party," and what a party it is! You'll feel more like you're at a dance club in Miami than in a gym. Zumba uses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create exhilarating routines. They feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.

To get started, purchase a set of Zumba DVDs or check your local gym's schedule. If you need help finding the nearest class, look on the Zumba website.

Bellydancing

This dance is as old as ancient Babylon, yet while it's not the newest trend in town, it certainly gives an energetic workout. Like Zumba, bellydancing is fun, and once you get started, you won't realize you're "working out."

Adult education courses often offer beginner classes. Or head over to Dahlal International to order an instructional DVD. While you're at it, browse the gorgeous costumes for sale. Wear one and you'll feel like a Moorish princess.

Guys, Middle Eastern Dance is for you as well. Or opt for the next item on the list - the Wii.

The Wii

You'll have to get off the couch to play some of the Nintendo Wii sports games and activities included in the Wii fit series, and that's a good thing. It's an easy way to start exercising, without ever leaving your TV room.

Whether you like yoga, strength training, aerobics or balance games, you can get started with Wii Fit Plus, which comes packed with every feature from Wii Fit-plus new exercises and tools to personalize your exercise routine.

Latin and Ballroom Dancing

You watch Dancing With the Stars, right? Why not sign up for a ballroom dance class and learn all of your favorite moves? You don't even need a partner -- most ballroom dance studios will pair you up with another member of the class.

Dancing With the Stars

If you prefer to dance with the stars at home, you can buy a DVD and do it yourself. It's still a fun and effective workout, all in the privacy of your own home.

Line Dancing

Another indoor activity that can get your heels kicking during the winter is Line Dancing. Often included in local Adult Education programs, it's also available at some restaurants, clubs or community centers. Check country western dance halls or saloons in your area, or if you prefer Soul Line Dance, join the Soul Line Dance Community to find an event or location near you.

In-Home Walking DVDs

If you like walking, you can bring your workout inside during the winter months by working out to exercise DVDs. Those by Leslie Sansone and Debbie Rocker are especially good. Or put on those earbuds, crank up your iPod, and walk in place.

Exercise DVDs

Of course, there are exercise DVDs of all sorts. Whether you prefer yoga, tai chi, aerobics, toning, dance or walking, check out Collage Video or your local stores for a DVD workout you'll enjoy. You won't have to drive to the gym, and your TV is "open" 24 hours a day, so you can workout on your own schedule.

Yoga

The benefits of yoga are many, both physical and spiritual. Look for a class at your gym or see if there's a yoga studio in your area. Or purchase a Yoga DVD.

Take the Stairs

In addition to everything else, take the stairs. Walk everywhere that you can, and when the weather's not too dismal, park far away from the door. Wear a pedometer during the day to see just how far you are walking. You may be surprised.