There is nothing like cold snowy days to tempt even the most avid athlete into skipping a sweat session to stay snuggled up with a cup of hot cocoa. While the winter season does present a few obstacles to staying active (frigid temperatures, shortened days and bulky sweaters, to name a few) it is actually more essential at this time of year, than any other.

Our body’s natural protection against the cold is to add more insulation, meaning it wants to pile on the pounds. Plus, with the holidays on the horizon, there are so many yummy treats around. Along with the good food, comes added pressures at this time of year, which is yet another reason to get moving – exercise helps our bodies release tension, diminishing the negative effects of stress.

But for many people, the idea of going to the gym day after day, is unappealing and can get boring, fast. Just because it’s chilly outside and there is snow on the ground, doesn’t mean you must force yourself to sit on a stationary bike for hours on end. There are a multitude of cold weather activities and winter sports that not only burn calories and tone muscles, they offer the opportunity to spend quality time having fun with friends and family, too.

FOR THE THRILL OF IT
Hitting the slopes for a day, night or an entire weekend, beats riding an elliptical trainer, hands down. There is nothing as exhilarating as flying across freshly fallen powder, sky-rocketing off jumps and ricocheting your way through moguls. Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter activities that not only burn a ton of calories (around 430* per hour), but also builds leg and core muscles, all while enjoying fresh air in the great outdoors.

Another great cold weather exercise, is ice skating. Gliding across the ice improves your balance and coordination, which is great for your abdominal and leg muscles and torches up to 250 calories in a mere half-hour. It’s no wonder figure skaters are in such exceptional shape! To indulge your competitive side, grab a few friends or coworkers and play an impromptu game of ice hockey. Making exercise into a group activity, combines socializing and working out, which makes the time fly by, while also avoiding calorieladen happy-hour fare.

For even faster thrills, hop on a snowmobile or in a bobsled. Motoring across snow-filled fields or barreling down an ice shoot, is as exciting as riding a roller coaster or jet ski and burns from 240 to 480 calories an hour. Be sure to wear the proper equipment, such as masks and gloves, to protect against the whipping winds. These heart pounding activities are so much fun you’ll forget all about the cold and the fact that your working off all those holiday cookies.

For the avid hiker, the cold weather and snowy terrain can make old trails seem fresh again. Load up the backpack and pile on extra socks before heading out for some winter mountaineering. The cold can create additional challenges and trails can become treacherous, so be thoroughly prepared before tackling this type of adventure. If you do embark on an exciting journey, bring plenty of snacks, since you’ll be burning up to 560 calories, per half hour! Hiking in snow adds extra resistance, as you force your legs forward with each step, which means serious muscle burn. Bring along a hiking stick to help propel yourself along and tone the upper body, especially your arms and chest.

SLOW, BUT STEADY
Just because you aren’t a thrill seeker, doesn’t mean you can’t get a phenomenal winter workout. Cross-country skiing is available at most ski lodges, as well as parks, golf courses and forested areas. It offers a true full-body workout, and doesn’t require the coordination and agility needed when speeding across icy surfaces. You’ll actually burn slightly more calories – almost 400 per hour – because gravity isn’t pulling you along. Cross-country skiers work their arms, just as much as the legs, since the trails are level, and even go slightly uphill at times. Another added benefit of participating in the slower variety is that the beautiful snowcovered scenery isn’t whizzing by unnoticed.

Similarly, snowshoeing offers a less intense version of winter mountaineering. This activity can be done anywhere there is snow, which during the winter months is often everywhere. Whether you are trekking through your neighborhood, or exploring a wildlife refuge, you’ll be burning 250 calories per half-hour, which is significantly higher than the average person would burn plodding along on the treadmill. This is thanks in part to the wide steps you are forced to take, engaging often unused muscles and the chilly temperatures keep you going at a brisk pace. Snowshoes can be bought at most sporting goods stores and kept at home, giving you the perfect excuse to go for an after dinner stroll through a snowy evening, while burning off that extra helping of turkey and stuffing.

CHILD’S PLAY
Whether you are actually enjoying the snow with youngsters or not, there is something about getting all bundled up to go outdoors that brings out everyone’s inner child. What better excuse to skip the gym, then to head to the nearest hill and go sledding? And there’s no need to feel guilty; sledding for half an hour will burn 240 calories, the same as enduring the Stair Climber for more than 20 minutes. Even if you do have pint-sized companions, who won’t share the sled, just hiking up and down the hills with them is a great way to work up a sweat, as are favorite childhood past times, such as romping through the yard to build snowmen and igloos or making snow angels. So grab the toboggan and the snow tube (oh and don’t forget your hat and gloves) and take advantage of the fresh snow and sunshine. You’ll probably end up getting a better workout, plus have a ton more fun, than if you just went to the gym.

As much fun as winter sports can be, and despite good intentions, sometimes we just can’t find the time to fit in a workout. With the holidays rapidly approaching, we become even busier than usual. But not to worry – you can be burning off that gingerbread latte while doing chores and prepping for the festivities. Spend a half-hour pushing the snow blower and you’ll burn 150 calories. Out of gas? Even better – shoveling for twice as long will burn triple the calories. Other necessary tasks that will get your heart rate up and work you muscles: chopping and stacking logs to build a fire with; putting decorations up; even shopping and wrapping gifts.

So enjoy the season and all it has to offer, because staying healthy doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside.

*Caloric calculations are based on a 150 pound person, working at moderate intensity. Values vary based on weight and intensity. Always consult a health professional before starting or altering an exercise regime.

RESOURCES:
Sparkpeople.com
health.discovery.com
Body.AOL.com
www.internetfitness.com
www.healthstatus.com
exercise.about.com
www.health.com
www.self.com