Indoor Winter Workout

Although it has been a mild December in the Upper Peninsula, winter weather will inevitably arrive along with the frigid temperatures and snowstorms that drive many to want to hunker down on the couch with a movie and some snacks. 

Folks who spend the summer months walking the various scenic trails for exercise may find themselves not moving nearly as often throughout the winter.

Although there are many who embrace cold snowy weather as an opportunity to ski, ice skate or snowshoe, those who are not outdoor winter enthusiasts can still get some exercise without leaving the comfort of their own homes.  

With some small hand weights you can work to tighten up those chest and arm muscles. If you do not own hand weights, hit up your pantry for a few evenly sized cans of tomato sauce or kidney beans and lift those instead. 

Of course, there are bound to be a few distractions when it comes to exercising at home, but for the most part, those tend to be welcome interruptions.

Do some push-ups or modified push-ups when your favorite television program goes to a commercial break.  

If you want to try something more interesting, check out a power wheel which can really work your core.

Another option is a Pilates bar, which, like the power wheel, can be purchased online or found at many retail chain stores.

And if you really want to get moving, and have a lot of fun while doing it, you could consider grooving along with a virtual dancing game. 

Reporter Selena Potila wiggles and hops on her USB dance pad in her mother-in-law’s basement. It is a skill she has honed over the past 20 or so years. She even used to enter virtual dance competitions back when she was an NMU college student. 

As music plays, a computer screen will display where to move your feet along the pad, and the goal is to get as many footsteps correct as possible. 

Whatever you choose to do for exercise, hopefully you will feel good and be healthy when that snow finally melts next spring.