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!