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Wintertime often poses a challenge to would-be exercisers. No longer is it feasible to take a bike ride up the street. However, there are plenty of things you can do outdoors to not only keep yourself in shape, but also to enjoy all that this season has to offer. When the snow is flying, the following are some tips that can have you "flying" outdoors for some physical activity:

* Go sledding. While this traditional winter amusement may not seem like a workout, it really can be. Besides being a ubiquitous rite-of-passage in snowy climates, sledding requires you to trudge back up the hill - all while carrying your sled. It offers a good opportunity for some fresh air and intense uphill exercise. Try an inflatable inner-tube sled for a safer, modern twist on this old pastime.

* Grab some skis. Downhill skiing can burn about 400 500 calories per hour in an average 150-pound person. However, if you feel downhill skiing is too expensive (lift tickets, equipment), too fast, or too dangerous, consider cross-country skiing. Cross country allows you to view the snow-covered landscape in all its beauty, and it allows you to do so at your own pace. Calories burned are similar, if not a little more than downhill skiing.

* Ice skating is also a great winter workout. And a nice thing about ice skating: if you find it enjoyable, it's a workout you can carry with you through all seasons. Indoor ice rinks abound for the warmer months, or you can transition to inline skating when the rink melts.

* Try snowshoeing. This relatively unheard of winter sport is similar to cross-country skiing, but can actually burn more calories per hour. Snow shoes allow you to "hike" across and enjoy winter landscapes at your own pace.

* Take a walk. If you live in an urban or semi-urban area with sidewalks (assuming they're shoveled), getting out for a walk, or even a jog, is not unheard of in wintertime. Personally, this is my favorite way to exercise, even during the cold months! A good pair of hiking boots with deep treads and a spray of waterproofing usually does the trick. Bundle up accordingly, and you can enjoy a pleasant winter stroll or jog around town!

While opinions differ among experts, there may be days when it's just too cold to exercise outdoors. Or perhaps a blizzard is raging. Or maybe the sun is shining, but the minus-20 degrees wind chill makes extended outdoor jaunts a little less appealing. For those days, there's plenty you can do to stay fit inside.

* Keep a reserve of exercise

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