Get Fit and Have Fun

Get Fit and Have Fun

The cold weather may have convinced you to cuddle up inside, but consider the

active alternative. The kinds of sports that cold weather calls for are so much fun you'll forget you're exercising. Skating, skiing, sledding they're the activities that winter memories are made of. Grab some mittens and get outside.

If you're new to winter sports, sign up for a lesson or join a clinic in your area. There's nothing more likely to keep you indoors than the fear of being "bad" at a sport. But if you're a novice with a bunch of other newbies, there's no excuse. And if you've signed up for a class, you have to be there at a certain time and place (again, no excuses). You'll learn about dressing for winter, related equipment, weather conditions and outdoor safety.

How to include it in your plan: Consider committing to a hockey league if a team activity will help you get to your goals, or organize a onceaweek game with your friends. If figure skating is your preference, head to the nearest park and practice your figure eights (with or without the kids). But try one exhilarating run down the bunny slope and you'll find yourself drawn to the lift again and again.

How to include it in your plan: For this sport in particular, it's important to take a lesson. Even if you used to be pro, brushing up on the basics could mean the difference between making this sport a habit and saying "never, ever again." In fact, sign up for a package of lessons, so you can be sure you'll go back for a second (and third) run.

How it will help you lose weight: Skiing tones the calves, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, arms and quadriceps. Plus, it's a great way to earn activity PointsPlus values around 4 PointsPlus values for 60 minutes on the slopes.

Downhill alternatives: Snowboarding is a fun, very challenging alternative to skiing that will work your coordination and balance. And skiboarding a blend of inline skating and downhill skiing is another hot new spin on skiing. The mini "skis" (half the length of traditional skis and twice the width) allow users a wide range of movement for "freestyle" skiing.

How to include it in your plan: The great thing about crosscountry skiing is that you can do it anywhere there's snow, no mountain requires. Why not schedule the sport into your Saturday mornings?

How it will help you lose weight: The cardio benefit of crosscountry skiing is similar to that of running and jogging look forward to earning 5 to 7 activity PointsPlus values for an hour on the trails. Plus, this sport will work many of your major muscle groups, as well as your core muscles.

How to include it in your plan: Make it a date with friends, your partner, the kids or the whole gang. Consider a sled your winter "exercise equipment" and purchase one at a local sporting goods store. Then make sure you head to the nearest hill at least once a week.

How it will help you lose weight: The same way walking up hill over and over would. But you'll be having so much fun you'll forget your heart's beating harder.