Make Your Winter Workout Fun in 7 Steps

With bare trees and gray skies, it's a great time to light a fire, make a cup of cocoa and snuggle with your true love, but don't let the chilly air cool your commitment to fitness. Avoiding a winter rut can be as easy as making fun changes to your regular fitness routine. Here are seven ways to keep your workout going.

Try on

It may be cold outside, but taking a walk or a jog doesn't have to leave you frozen. Race to your local sporting goods store for the latest in fitness fashion. New high-tech fabrics pull sweat away from your skin to keep you warm.

Try out

Winter is the perfect time to take an exercise class. If you haven't tried yoga, Pilates or spinning, give it a go. You'll be exercising your mind and your body. And don't worry about being a beginner; classes are offered for different levels of experience and fitness.

Talk tech

The latest craze in video games: losing weight by dancing great. With music, video and a dance pad that scores your moves, try the latest revolution in video games, and dance your way to extra points -- and a leaner shape!

Turn off

Television is a big temptation when it's cold outside. If you have a treadmill, instead of sitting in front of the tube, tape your favorite shows to watch while you walk.

Tune up

Tired of your fitness routine? Why not try a new exercise video or DVD? Or, for a real splurge, sign up for personal training sessions to fine-tune your workout.

Turn on

Research shows that music stimulates our bodies and focuses our minds.

Take time

Don't forget to reward yourself for your persistence. But instead of indulging in holiday treats, do something good for your muscles -- a professional massage can relax a body that's stiff from the cold.