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While every fiber in your body may be telling you to have just one more piece of left-over fudge, you can resist it to overcome the winter blues and tackle an exercise program, large or small.

Experts say our physical activity falls in half during the winter, but you can still maintain a decent level of true exercise even when the thermometer doesn't rise above freezing. Activities involving the whole family can make it more enjoyable for everyone. Even in the winter you should try to work out three to five times per week, 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

However, just doing your household chores faster won't help, as much as we think vacuuming should be an Olympic event. To see real benefits, experts say you should get at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic activity that actually raises your heart and breathing rate. People will say they cut the grass for an hour, but while it's a great activity, it really isn't exercise.

The best time to start an exercise program is now. Don't wait for yet another New Year's resolution to drop the four to five pounds people typically gain during the holidays.

You should start now and acclimate to the new routine. Starting at New Year's is the worst time because the weather is so bad, and people have just gone through the holidays and have unreal expectations about dropping weight.

Plan both outdoor and indoor activities so the weather doesn't thwart your activities.

You have to establish a clear activity and time period to exercise. This is a busy time of year, and you need a back-up plan if you have a conflict so you can alleviate the guilt of missing exercise.

The first step is to not be intimidated by cold weather. Despite what your grandmother told you, being outside in the cold won't make you sick.

There's no problem with exercise in cold weather, unless you have certain types of asthma or respiratory conditions. The only serious problems to worry about are frostbite or getting your feet wet.

It's safe to exercise outside as cold as 20 degrees or so, if you dress appropriately. Pay attention to wind chill. If it's less than 10 degrees with the wind chill, you're probably not going to be comfortable.

Layering clothing is the best way to bundle against the cold. The first layer should be a synthetic blend material that wicks away moisture. Avoid 100 percent cotton that holds moisture. The next layer should be fleece, or other insulating material, with a top layer of nylon or other material to cut the wind.

Inside activity can range from

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