by G. Kunkel

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

It's cold, dark, and snowy outside. What could be a more perfect time to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and watch our favorite movie or TV program? For many of us, winter is the time to hibernate inside and wait for the arrival of spring weather. Adding a steady stream of snacks and holiday treats to this mix is a recipe for gaining unwanted weight in the winter season.

So what's a person to do? Read on and you can find how to keep fit without resorting to an expensive gym membership. Finding a routine that is fun and fits your lifestyle can keep those winter weight blahs at bay.

Perform an outdoor activity during daylight hours. Something as simple as taking a stroll during the lunch hour is effective. Our bodies need exposure to sunlight for the manufacture of Vitamin D and for the biochemical changes that keep our brains happy. Just getting out and walking for at least 15 minutes will get those mood lifting biochemical reactions going. What a great de-stressor too!

Find a fun social activity. By now we've all seen "Dancing With The Stars". Who knew that dancing was such a great fitness activity? Many civic groups, church groups, and ethnic organizations give free weekly lessons with dances. So now we all have the chance to learn something new, get some exercise, and socialize with new friends. You'll also be able to critique those celebrities with all your newly gained insights.

Take up an outdoor wintertime sport. If you are fortunate enough to live near them, hitting the ski slopes is always an option. Skiing and snowboarding are fun physical activities. No time or money for the slopes? Cross-country skis and snowshoes are relatively cheap and in a Northern climate using them is a matter of stepping outside. Check for an inexpensive used set on Craigslist or at a local garage sale.

Take up an indoor sport. Rainy winter days can be conquered too. Many cities have Recreation Centers that offer indoor facilities and programs. Most have organized and pickup volleyball and basketball games. Find an option that suits your schedule. For a less organized option, indoor lap swimming is hard to beat. It offers a terrific aerobic workout for every muscle in your body.

Go bicycling. After bicycling all summertime to beat the high gas prices, winter is the perfect time to continue without all the heat and humidity. A quick trip to the bicycle shop should get you setup for success. You'll need a helmet liner, winter riding gloves, winter riding tights, wind proof layers, and some warm shoe covers. Dress in layers so that as you warm up, you can peel clothing off. Adding a halogen headlamp will have you setup for night riding. You'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.

Finally, get checked for SAD. Some individuals are more affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) than others. One noticeable effect on SAD affected individuals is a change in diet preference from summer to winter. There is an altered preference from fruits and salads in summer to high-carbohydrate foods in the winter. A combination of high-carbohydrates and a lack of activity can lead to unwanted weight gain. If you can't get enough daylight exposure, check with your doctor to see if you are a candidate for light box therapy.

Wintertime is a great time of year to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. With a combination of physical activities, social activities, and sunlight exposure, you can keep fit and breathe in the fresh air. Try it this winter.

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