by Alicia Butler

Created on: October 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

Working out in the wintertime can be a constant challenge. Not only are we tempted by holiday treats and cold weather comfort foods, but the days are also shorter and the cold weather seems insistent on keeping us from staying motivated. So, what is the trick to staying fit between the months of October and March? By developing a new, indoor fitness routine that will adapt to your new cold weather lifestyle, you can achieve a new sense motivation during the winter that you'll be able to enjoy until spring- not to mention a great body!

First, make a plan of attack. Decide which days you want to workout each week. Many people like to workout before or after work so they can relax on their days off. However, if you work between nine and five like many people, you may feel more motivated to exercise your days off, so you can workout when the sun is up. Some people do not feel discouraged by the lack of sunlight in the wintertime, however, and won't have any problems completing their exercise routine before or after work. Whichever option you choose, by deciding in advance when you want to workout, after about two weeks you'll feel yourself falling into a rhythm and working out will become second nature. Make sure to space your cardio workouts with a day of strength training or stretching in the middle, however, and don't do two days of strength training in a row, either. Your body needs a day in-between to safely recuperate.

Try to pick cardio exercises you enjoy. If you love spending an hour on the treadmill, then spend an hour on the treadmill. However, if you become bored, don't hesitate to switch to something more exciting. Cardio workout videos are a great way to stick with your workout without feeling bored. If you enjoy cardio videos, try to buy a few and stick to one video, one day a week, for a month. You'll feel great about your progress and the workout sequence will become easier and easier until you have mastered it. This way, you'll trick your body into losing more weight and you won't plateau as easily. On your other cardio day, choose something fun you love to do. Do you love dancing? Make a play list of your favorite fast songs and dance to them for 45-minutes. If you love the gym, try 20 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes on a stationary bike, and 20 minutes on the treadmill. You won't feel bored as quickly, and your body will get a better workout.

Two non-consecutive days a week, try strength training. The best way to do this is to purchase an

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