Follow these easy ways for staying fit and healthy during winter and year round. Winter is  the time of year most that of us reduce our physical activity and begin hibernating – just like nature. Lack of movement and eating comfort foods causes us to put on a few pounds. I've listed the best ways to stay fit and feel great during winter and the holiday season. Pick your favorite ways to stay fit. Join me and let’s commit together!

- Use the house as a gym -

If you’re like me, you don’t really have a lot of time to get to a gym 3 or 4 times a week. So, I found a way to bring the gym to me. Just a few things can keep the body moving and the heart pumping.

• Walk up and down stairs for a good cardio.
• Run in place while you’re watching TV.
• Rowing machines are a great source for a full body workout – check out classified ads for great deals on simple exercise equipment.

- Going outdoors -

With doors and windows, closed homes become a bit stuffy; take it outside. Finding a park in your area is a great escape from stress. Even a brisk walk can change an attitude and burn calories.

Here are few other ideas as well:

• A cool day is just the thing to use your garden to keep fit. Raking leaves, bending over to pull out dead plants or weeds, reaching out to do some pruning on shrubs and trees will work most all muscles in the body as well as the satisfied feeling you’ll get for a job well done.
• Bicycling is a great cardio workout and you can do it in city or off road.
• Hit the trails for good run or just a walk and see some nature on the way.
• Visit trails.com or contact your local parks and recreation for trails in your area.

Also, this is the season for shopping. Try to park as far away from the store as you can to get a good walk in before you start your shopping.

- Take it to the gym -

Lets say there is time to spend at the gym. Use it! Gyms have great cardio programs and equipment to utilize; treadmills, elliptical, rowing machines, and stationary bikes are but a few. For the best results, ask the front desk about seeing a personal trainer for a good plan that suits you and your lifestyle. Just a few sessions to get yourself on the right track and have a custom designed workout that you can do at the gym or at home. It may just be one of the best investments you make.

- Healthy snacks -

While Panettone is my snack of choice during the holiday season, I do have to practice will power not to eat it all in one sitting. However, I do enjoy other snacks that will give me a boost of energy as well.

• Nuts such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews.
• Granola is a fun healthy snack for children and adults.
• Protein shakes are not just for muscle building. Try out whey or soy based protein shakes and you will feel the energy surge.
• Laughing Cow cheese snacks are great with an apple will keep you going.
• Even something as simple as hummus with some carrots for dipping.

- Pop in a dvd and get movin' -

These are only a few things that can help keep you in shape through the holidays. Be creative by using everyday items to incorporate into a well-rounded workout each day. Keep active and your attitude and energy levels will remain at an all time high.

The more you can keep mobile, the better your muscles and joints will feel throughout the day and night. Shorter periods of daylight trick our bodies and we begin to get tired and sleepy before we're even home from the workday. Locating a safe place to walk after work or a workout video will hlep to keep you alert until a more reasonable bedtime.