Stay Fit All Winter Long

As winter sets in, many people just want to stay warm in their homes munching on carb-heavy foods rather than go out and exercise as they normally would during the warmer months. Here are some ideas from our readers for how you can stay active and maintain your fit-for-swimsuits body. (Some posts may have been edited.)

Be a homebody

If you want a total body home gym but can only afford less than $100, consider the following recommendations: Three dumbbells (sizes 5, 10 and 15 pounds), resistance bands and jump rope. If you are limited to purchasing just one very affordable piece of equipment, consider buying a fitness ball. It can provide many different exercise options.
—Posted by GCMISFIT99 on Nov. 10, 2006

Since it's too cold to take my walks in the winter, I walk up and down my stairs for about 15 minutes. Then I turn on the stereo or listen to my iPod and dance. It's amazing at my age, 55, how after about an hour of dancing, and I don't mean slow, you can work up a sweat.
—Posted by Justdi on Nov. 11, 2006

I purchased a bicycle trainer and turned my outdoor bicycle into an indoor workout. A 30-minute ride in front of the television gets your cardiovascular system into action.
—Posted by Chililover on Nov. 11, 2006

When doing laundry, either from the basement or from the next floor (apartment), leave half a load for next trip (step exercise). When doing daily chores like dusting, reach out to the hard-to-reach areas (stretching). When doing dishes, hold in your belly (stomach muscles).
—Posted by saskguy on Nov. 11, 2006

I actually just started doing Dance Dance Revolution (an interactive music video game) on a daily basis and I am already noticing change in my weight.
—Posted by xx.uR_mOm.xx on Nov. 11, 2006

Cleaning my home and organizing it is a great way to exercise and make the time go by.
—Posted by charles in charleston on Nov. 11, 2006

I try to work in small things throughout the day whenever I have time. For instance, while I am waiting for my coffee to brew, I like to do 100+ pushups, or any type of sit-up, and if I'm walking throughout my apartment, I like to do lunges where ever I walk. You can try whatever you feel, but this way I'm maximizing my time and toning, too!
—Posted by livs2tone on Dec. 14, 2006

Stay focused

For me, writing "workout" down on my planner/calendar makes it a commitment. It's really like brushing your teeth—it is NOT an option—it is REQUIRED. I struggle with the chowing as well, but writing down what I eat, how much water I drank, etc. helps me when I feel out of control.  Don't be stagnant. You can fool yourself into thinking just about anything you want to, so take advantage of that in a positive way … make goals, figure out the path it takes to reach them, then do it to it!
—Posted by fitghost on Nov. 11, 2006

Get a buddy to keep you motivated! Your spouse, friend, or even your dog can be your best tool for keeping motivated even on the coldest day. Set goals together and dangle an award ahead of you for reaching your goals.
—Posted by CoachPlav on Nov. 11, 2006

It is always tempting to "cover up" any excess baggage when winter sets in. Instead of maintaining a "winter-time laid-back mentality," I try to visualize how I feel in the summer when there are fewer layers and more figure-revealing clothing about. It helps me stick to my workout when I am thinking of tube tops and short skirts vs. long sleeves and down-filled puffy coats.  Plus it helps me be creative in sticking to my workouts.
—Posted by Tiffany C. on Nov. 11, 2006

Why should winter/cold weather be different from any other season? Working out is a commitment, just like brushing your teeth everyday. If you don't do it on a regular basis, something will decay.  If you walk or run outdoors and it is cold, move a little faster—you'll warm up. Using weather as an excuse is just that—an excuse!
—Posted by katfit on Nov. 16, 2006

Chow down

To keep your energy up during the cold weather, try making vegetable soups or healthy stews and freeze them in portions. Then you'll always have a healthy, warming meal ready at hand so that you don't reach for the junk. These give me energy and are packed full of goodness.  There's nothing like going for a run or workout and coming back to a hot shower and a hearty bowl of chunky soup.
—Posted by Rach26 on Nov. 11, 2006

Early morning workouts will make you forget what kind of weather you're going out into because it’s dark and you'll have less people in the gym. And your metabolism responds better for some reason in the mornings, allowing you to burn calories quicker and see results that much faster. Diet is also important—try to eat oatmeal or substitute breakfast with a protein shake that has multivitamins in it as a staple to you diet.
—Posted by thestreetcar on Nov. 11, 2006

Move it!

Train all winter for a spring marathon.
—Posted by SFRun on Nov. 11, 2006

Walk, walk, walk—near a park, lake, or whatever. Bundle up and go for it. I do about 15 miles a week in three-mile increments. It's good for the soul and body.
—Posted by BR43 on Nov. 11, 2006

I love winter! If you have mountains, go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, split boarding and take 6K walks every second day. Drink lots of water and green tea. Put on your headlamp and walk in the woods, listen to wildlife, but don't get lost. I bring my dog everywhere I go. It's a good way to stay fit for alpine hiking trips in the summer.
—Posted by Revy on Nov. 12, 2006

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