For those of you who don’t like to ski, skate, snow-board, or sled, and for whom a winter’s walk is nice some of the time, but isn’t quite enough, keep in mind that there are many ways to stay fit in winter. You may even get a chance to try something new, and new activities often exercise different muscle groups. For example:

• Indoor work outs: Whether at the gym or at home, there is a work out for everyone. You don’t need special equipment. Don’t know what to do? Visit your local video rental business or library for ideas on tape or in print.
• Dancing: Turn on the music and dance with your kids, spouse or friends. Take a class! Go to a community dance! There’s line dancing, square dancing, contra dancing, tap dancing, belly dancing, couples dancing, and plain old boogieing to your favorite tunes.
• Yoga and Tai Chi: These and other forms of meditative exercise strengthen your body more than you might think. Try a session of yoga and see how much you warm up and how good you feel!
• Join a local fitness center (town recreation center, YMCA, private facilities). There are a wide variety of indoor activities from which to choose, depending upon the facility. Some facilities are low cost and some have scholarships available for those in need.
• Housework: Make the most of household chores. Scrubbing, lifting and moving, going up and down stairs, building projects, etc. not only get the work done, but keep your body strong. Then, when the good weather comes, things will be in order and you can enjoy the great outdoors! (Working in your yard!)

For more ideas on indoor exercise, view Louisiana State University publication Eating and Exercising for Good Health or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.