Staying Fit When Old Man Winter Strikes

Hi Friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had a fun and relaxing weekend. Mine was just that and it was perfect. We went to the Saint Paul Art Crawl, went out to dinner, listened to some live music, tried a new pumpkin beer, made a killer homemade pizza (recipe coming!) and watched the Wild win with another shutout. Sunday my handsome man made me breakfast and then I met my mom for a quick shopping trip. Macy's had a sale going on and I got a killer pair of flat black boots that can take me from day to night. I also picked-up another pair of my absolute favorite sweatpants; the boyfriend fit from Victoria's Secret. It was the perfect weekend and I woke up this morning feel rested and rejuvenated.

While we were out and about enjoying the absolutely glorious weather, I couldn't help but think that this weather is few and far between, because Old Man Winter is right around the corner. I overheard someone in the elevator say that this winter is supposed to be just like last year. If that's the case, I am going to book a winter vacation stat. I like winter for the holiday season, but after that I grow tired of it and wonder why I choose to live in this state. If you get the winter blues like me, one thing that boosts my mood instantly is exercising. I joined Anytime Fitness last year and it's perfect for my needs; it's five minutes from my house and there is never a wait for equipment. I can get in and out and it doesn't fill-up my entire evening. If you don't have a gym membership, here are a few alternatives for staying fit during winter. 

- Try a workout DVD. According to Fitness Magazine, Piloxing System was the top workout DVD of 2014. Piloxing is a mix of boxing, dancing and Pilates. $16.95-$79.95 www.piloxing.com

- Take cue from your grandma and become a mall walker. The minimum recommended daily steps is 10,000 steps or about 5 miles. This is completely doable, especially if you walk a mall like Mall of America. One suggestion is to get a pedometer or download a pedometer app on your phone. I have a pedometer on my phone and I try and walk at least 5,000 steps (2.5 miles) a day on top of going to the gym 4-5 days a week. http://www.mallofamerica.com/events/feature/moa-mall-stars

- Try cross country skiing. If you're feeling adventurous, strap on a pair of skis and try your hand at cross country skiing. According to about.com/sports the average person burns 400-500 calories while skiing at a slow pace. With over 20 miles of cross-country skiing trails there are options for everyone. http://dnr.state.mn.us/skiing/index.html

- Purchase a set of 8lb-10lb hand weights and try this heart pumping workout in your living room:

-30 jumping jacks

-15 bicep curls on each side

-30 high knees

-15 tricep extensions on each side

-30 burpees

-15 pullovers

-2 minute plank

-50 ball crunches

Repeat this circuit three times at your own pace.

What is your favorite way to stay fit during the winter?

Enjoy your evening!

Nicole