Indoor Winter Workouts

With a calendar filled with holiday parties and tempting treats available at home and the office, it's time to offset those extra calories with a regular workout routine. While the cold temperatures may have you tempted to stay indoors under a blanket, take advantage of what an indoor workout can do - burn calories in the comfort of your own home, garage or health club!

If you're tempted to continue exercising outside, don't miss our post on motivation in the cold.

If you are looking for a warmer alternative, try the following:

Workouts at Home

Push-ups: Easy to do without any equipment, the push-up is perfect if you have access to a flat surface and know the proper form. For tips, read this Men's Health article.

Jumping Jacks: Also something that can be done without equipment, jumping jacks are fun to add to a routine. If you want to add a bit more difficulty, incorporate hand weights into the mix.

Yoga: Whether you follow a DVD or use a book to find poses that work best for you, grab a mat and get started! To maximize your time, try meditating - it'll help you relax and sort through the day while you stretch and complete different poses.

Jumping Rope: While you may not feel comfortable jumping rope in the house, take advantage of your garage or another enclosed area you have outside the home. It's estimated that jumping rope consecutively for ten minutes can burn nearly 100 calories!

Workouts in the Gym

Equipment: Take full advantage of all the equipment a gym has to offer: stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights and weight machines. If you're intimidated, seek the guidance of a fitness professional who can show you how to properly use each machine.

Indoor Track: If you don't enjoy using the treadmill or elliptical, many health clubs offer an indoor track for members to use. Whether you walk, run or do sprints, the key is to get moving!

Fitness Classes: If you're tired of doing the same routine each time you exercise, sign up for a class. In addition to shaking up your routine, you'll learn something new and meet new people.

Work with a Trainer: If you're overwhelmed by the gym's options, work with one of the fitness coaches to identify a routine that will work best for you.

Before beginning any new workout plan, please consult a physician.