Today is a rainy, sort of bleary looking day outside, which has me thinking of ten rainy-day appropriate yet fun ways to build more activity into your life. Hope you like them!

11. Go to the mall, and go SHOPPING. Whether you plan to buy anything or not, shopping is a nice way to look at new styles and imagine the way your new clothes will look on you when you fit into a smaller size. Avoid eating anything un-sparky at the food court!

12. Try a free dance lesson. Many dance studios offer free lessons for first-timers, in hopes of hooking new students. Whether you have always wanted to learn Swing or wish you knew how to waltz, a free lesson is a good way to find your inner diva and give her a workout.

13. Go Bowling. Grab your friends or your kids, or your hubby, or whomever, and get to the bowling alley. Bowling doesn't burn a whole heck of a lot of calories, but it's a great way to enjoy some activity before hunkering down on the couch in front of the telly.

14. Try a few rounds of mini golf. Depending on your location, you could be living near an indoor mini golf course where you can enjoy putting away to your heart's content. A lot less expensive than eighteen holes, yet plenty of fun, this is a good way to socialize or keep kids entertained on a blustery day.

15. Go skating. Indoor ice skating rinks and roller rinks are a great place to have fun and burn calories while you're at it. Don't worry if it's been some time since you wore a pair of skates. Muscle memory kicks in after a short amount of time, and you'll feel like a kid again.

16. Visit a museum. Even small towns have local museums, where you can wander around and look at pieces of everyday life from days gone by. If you have access to a larger museum, make the most of it! Remember to take the stairs!

17. Run your errands, as fast as you can. Can you get away with doing your errands on a rainy or snowy day, all at once, so you can spend your usual errand time outside once the weather clears up? Maybe so. That tired feeling you might experience after hours of shopping for groceries and other necessities isn't imaginary!

18. Go to the gym. If you don't have a membership, see if you can get a free visitor's pass. I used to fear and loathe the gym; I thought everyone there was out to get me. Not true! People at the gym I go to (Golds) are friendly, helpful, and even somewhat chatty. I am now addicted to my gym time.

19. Go Swimming. Many towns and cities have indoor municipal pools that are blissfully heated, even during the dead of winter. A wonderfully refreshing workout that is relaxing too, swimming is a good way to get a little cardio in when your usual walking route is inhospitable.

20. Crazy as it might sound, put on some rain gear, or grab an umbrella. Go walk your usual route and enjoy the sight of the plants covered in shimmering raindrops. Unless you're the wicked witch of the East, and you're concerned about an untimely end, a little bit of water won't hurt you. You may even end up burning extra calories to stay warm!