by K. W. Calhoun

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: December 19, 2008

What is the most common excuse for not exercising? "There's just not enough time!" or "It's too cold outside!" Yet many of us fail to consider the fact that the best outdoor exercises, even during the fall and winter seasons, are ones that combine physical activity with accomplishing a project or task, thus negating the time factor. If one is exercising while working, time is saved rather than wasted. Many healthy activities can be done outside when it's chilly that not only provide a rigorous workout but also maintain a home's curb appeal, cross weekly errands off the list, and even save money in the process.

Almost everyone has projects that need to be completed around their home's perimeter in preparation for winter. Even apartment dwellers can find outdoor activities to be productive such as cleaning the car or walking/running to the store or post office. Depending on the severity of the winter in one's region here are but a few of the activities that can be completed and considered exercise at the same time.

* SHOVELING SNOW: A fantastic cardiovascular exercise that will save money on a snow blower and gas.

* RAKING LEAVES: A perfect upper-body workout that keeps home curb appeal high.

* WALKING/RUNNING/RIDING A BIKE TO FUN ERRANDS: More cardio exercise that will accomplish weekly errands and save money on gas.

* CUTTING FIREWOOD: Tones the upper body and saves money on home heating costs.

* WALKING/RUNNING THE DOG: Cardio, cardio, cardio! And the family dog will forever love you.

* HOME REPAIR PROJECTS: Hammering, sawing, bending, lifting, carrying, and stretching while completing home repairs are all fantastic ways to stay fit as well as prepare the home for a harsh winter season and keep up with maintenance and repairs.

* CLEANING OUT CARS/GARAGES: Even though it's winter, these areas still need to be maintained. Bending, stretching and lifting, keeps muscles flexible and loose and come springtime completing these tasks won't require so titanic an effort.

Each individual's available scheduling time and regional climate will determine how such activities are formed into a routine. Bear in mind, a good workout routine does not have to be the exact same exercises performed daily. In fact, the best workout schedules combine a mixture of activities to work various body parts and muscles groups while at the same time avoiding the routine's mightiest foe, boredom.

So switch it up, combine daily and weekly activities. For example, Monday might be raking leaves, Tuesday

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