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An indoor fitness routine can keep you in shape during the winter months. After all, how many of us want to go outside when those winter winds are blowing? Getting creative about moving your body indoors burns calories and assures those muscles stay toned. Keep reading for some fun ideas to banish those winter blahs. As with any exercise routine, be sure to check with your doctor before embarking on any of these suggestions.

-Exercise mats. We've all seen them in the stores-those roll-down mats people actually unroll and lie down on to do calisthenics. Remember all those exercises you used to do in high school gym class? Do sets of 10 crunches, leg lifts, side leg lifts, and hip rolls. Stick your legs up in the air and pedal your feet and legs like you are riding an "air bicycle." Aim for 30 minutes of mat work. To store your mat, roll it back up and stick it in a corner of the closet, out of sight.

-Jump ropes. Some of us did a lot of jumping rope as a kid. It's a great calorie-burner and even better way to tone up. Plus, as exercise goes, it's pretty simple. Just make sure you've got room to do this one, in terms of ceiling height. Don't forget to wear good shoes. See, you can work up a sweat when it's cold outdoors.

-Dancing. This one just might be the most fun method to exercise indoors. Turn on your favorite tunes and boogey down. Begin by stretching your arms and legs and doing a few twists at the waist with your hands on your hips or straight out to your sides. Then, dance your heart out. You can even use your iPod party shuffle to get down and get funky!

-Exercise videos and DVDs. Let's not forget you can use one or more of hundreds of standardized exercise routines available on video or DVD. You might already own a few. Better yet, rent some you haven't yet tried from your local library to change up your indoor fitness routine. Or purchase them second-hand. Try exercise DVDs using different forms of exercise, like Tai Bo, Tai Ch'i, Yoga, or simple stretching. Bringing some variety to your indoor fitness routine by using exercise DVDs during the winter months can inspire you to exercise all winter long!

-House-cleaning. Beef up your house-cleaning routine. I know you're thinking, what does cleaning have to do with exercise? Well, plenty. Get out your Webster cleaning tool and sweep those cobwebs out of every corner, ceiling to floor. Dust every surface. Wipe down those kitchen cabinets. Sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors. Use a cleaning cloth while crawling to clean around the perimeter of your rooms. Don't forget the woodwork!

Keeping in shape by establishing an indoor fitness routine can be done. Don't let cold weather prevent you from doing your exercise. Using exercise mats and jump ropes will keep you moving indoors. Dancing makes it fun. Exercise videos and DVDs show you how to move while keeping you entertained. A thorough cleaning routine gets two jobs completed at once. Now, move that body.

Learn more about this author, Rita Chaney.
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