Workout wonderland

By Amy Steinbuechler

Staying fit and working up a sweat can be difficult over the winter season. Often it is too cold to venture outside, and eating holiday feasts seems more tempting than exercising.

"Winter months are my laziest months. I rarely workout in the cold because I have a terrible immune system," said senior Anita Obasi. "It's hard to get motivated to go out in the cold."

Winter does not have to be all about gaining weight and making a resolution to lose it. It can also be about staying in shape and having fun. There are a number of ways to get your heart rate up without the low temperatures.

Running or playing sports are great ways to get some fresh air. Enjoying the snow by sledding, skiing or snowboarding are great cardio and muscular workouts outside as well.

Shopping can also burn a few calories. For every fifteen minutes spent on the stairs, an average person of 150 pounds can burn up to 153 calories according to dietbites.com. The number of calories increases as one's weight increases. Walking from store to store can also burn calories; the average person at 150 pounds can burn roughly 50 calories walking 15 minutes per mile according to spirita.net.

Maintaining a good diet during the holidays is another important factor in staying healthy and in shape this winter. "I try and stay away from dessert tables," said junior Madeleine Irwin. "Overall I keep my veggies, fruits and lean protein near."

Joining a gym can also be another way to slim down over the winter break. Some gyms even have discounts and gift specials during the season. Gyms offer a variety of exercise equipment and even personal trainers to assist in a personal workout plan.

Even with holiday discounts gyms, ski trips can get expensive and inconvenient. The most affordable and accessible form of exercise is working out at home. One can bring the gym home with them with a workou t video. Tae Bo is a fun cardiac work out originating from tae kwon do. Yoga and palaties can also be performed in the comfort of one's living room with more privacy and a personal workout. Not only do yoga and palaties allow one to lose weight, but they also relieve some of the stresses of the holiday season.

Music is another tool that helps one relax during a workout. Simply dancing for 15 minutes burns an average of 83 calories in an individual who weights roughly 150 pounds, according to Dietbites.com.

"A good iPod playlist makes working out easier," said Irwin. "Pump up music changes a pessimistic mood in an instant."
Exercise creates endorphins that will help anyone through the rough holiday season and leave one with a great body for the ever so soon bathing suit season. Staying in-shape can be difficult during the winter season in the cold weather, but using tricks during shopping and cooking can lead to a healthier holiday.

By Alan Weintraut |  January 12, 2009; 1:00 PM ET
Previous: Go for a spin! | Next: Smoking ban proposed for Virginia bars

The comments to this entry are closed.