How to Keep Yourself in Shape this Winter

The New Year has rung in and if you are like 90% of Americans, your resolution's may include losing weight/eating healthier/exercising more. Unfortunately, for those of us who live in the Northern part of the country, the winter storms have came early this year and can make it challenging to stick to those resolutions.  It is far more challenging to wake up and exercise in the early morning when it is -15 degrees and pitch black.  Not to mention, a foot of snow on the ground.
It is recommend that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like walking, per week. That's a little more than 20 minutes per day.  For some, that may seem daunting- but it is possible!

TV workouts- Have a favorite show or certain time each day you like to sit on the couch and relax? Use this time to stay active by doing some light stretching or short exercises during commercial breaks.  If you have an hour long show, that's 15 minutes of commercials to get your heart rate pumping!

Be active at work- If you have a desk job, take a break every 20-30 minutes to stand up and stretch.  A fellow employee needs to make a trip to the printer? Offer to do it for them.  You will get moving and when you sit back down to work, your brain will alert and able to function better.

Walking in a winter wonderland- Layer up! Grab a friend and go for a walk around the block.  Walking in the snow burns more calories than walking in regular conditions.  Even better, go sledding! Walking back up those hills is a great and free workout!

Workout DVD's -  This is my FAVORITE type of exercise in the brutal cold.  When I can't muster up the courage to spend the day outside, I love to do some of my favorite DVD's.  There are so many on the market, you won't have any difficulty finding one that suits your fancy and won't have to worry about getting burnt out.

Winter Cleaning-  Why wait for spring cleaning?  If your couped inside your house why not use this time to organize and de-clutter?  You burn roughly 150 calories per hour and can sleep better knowing your house is spotless.

All these activities will keep your wallet happy and body healthy.  So get creative this winter and be sure to bundle up!