Fitness, any way you can

Winter activities can include snowboarding, skiing and even sledding, and although those are the big ones we think about, there are other, less conventional ways of keeping in shape this winter. And wouldn't you believe it, they are really a lot of fun!

Instead of going to the gym and wasting your money this holiday season, grab a bunch of your friends, and head outside. All you need is mother nature to drop you some snow. Any activity you can think of regarding snow can be considered moderate to heavy physical activity. Throwing snowballs, building a fort, running and sliding and sometimes even just walking through the stuff.

Think back to when you were little, running around outside all the time. Chances are if this was your activity of choice as a kid, you were in pretty decent shape. You may have cared less back then that it was below freezing and snow found its way into your now sopping gloves and boots. But the same fun can be had today, and why not?

A little non traditional exercise can go a long way when it comes to staying active and fit. You use a lot of core muscles and get the heart rate going, you use your arms and pull your legs. Throwing a snow ball is just like throwing a base ball, dragging your legs through 3 feet of snow can be like running much longer distances, building up a snow fort by scooping snow can feel like swimming and knocking your buddies fort down can feel like lapping them over and over.

So if you love the New England outdoors as much as I do, and love throwing caution to the arctic winds and growing down, give this unconventional method a try. Just make sure to drink plenty of water, because it will be easier, with all the snow gear on and the cold temperatures, to become dehydrated.

So get out of the gym, dress warm, have fun and stay active!

A date with pizza and french fries

Snow has fallen, roads have slickened and the temperature has officially dipped uncomfortably below freezing. I guess that means the yearly ritual of winter is upon us, which not only puts a stop on some outdoor activities but also opens up a box of winter sports! And with this season approaching I offer only a fare warning.

Skiing is my main support of fun during this time, or at least it used to be. Times have changed and I seldom have time to partake in an activity I enjoy. But last year I got the opportunity to pick it up again during a trip in North Conway. My girlfriend was there and she wanted to try skiing for the first time. My suit mate, who incidentally works on the slopes in Sunapee, said "Dude, don’t try to teach her yourself, even if your a veteran skier, don’t try to teach someone that close to you."

At first what he said made perfect sense, it may be hard to teach her no matter how much I knew. So I stuck it in my brain and off we went to the northern mountains of NH. When we got to the slope we went straight to the lodge and asked to order lessons, I figured I might as well sit in on it. They informed us that they were booked and we were faced with the ultimate decision. I weighed the options and we both said, "We'll what could go wrong?"

Long story short the next thing we knew we were heading up the hill, and I'll spare some details but we got to the top and after a lesson of "pizza" and "french fries" it started right away. All of a sudden "I was rushing her" and "she wasn’t paying attention" and "I wasn’t listening." It was a rough 20 minutes trying to make it down that slope... Eventually she just decided to walk the rest of the way down while I got my grove back and skied slowly on the slope next to her.

Well, it turns out my friend was right. All though we hugged and made up, it was still a hairy time when you are that close to each other. Teaching needs to be done with some authority. And when it comes to a relationship, lets face it, the guy has none.

So heed my words both men and women young and old, and the words of my pal, the veteran skier. Under no circumstances, even if the lessons are booked for the day, should you try teaching your significant other. You’re just asking for trouble.