No, we don't have any measurable snow on the ground -- yet -- but it's getting to be winter, and that means S-N-O-W and cold here in the Midwest. My preference for weather? No, but then this would be one of those things that cannot be controlled, so have to figure out how to work with it when it comes to outdoor activities. I plan to keep active this winter, because -- well -- I NEED to! What are my plans?

1. Have Nordic poles to safely navigate on snow and ice when walking.

2. Have appropriate clothes and outerwear to stay warm when it's C-O-L-D!

Have a good coat to keep me warm.

Have a pair of warm gloves to keep the hands warm.

Have a good wool hat to keep my head warm (Did you know we lose most of our body heat through our head??)

Have a good pair of weather proof pants to stay dry.

Have good thick wool socks to keep the feet warm. And the feet are also treated to a good pair of properly fitting, waterproof boots.

I dress in layers, with the layer closest to my body being lightweight, sweat wicking material so that I stay warm and dry.

Long underwear . . . a must when the winter temperatures plunge downward.

Sunglasses for when the sun is out . . . very important, because if there's snow on the ground, that reflection of the sun off the snow is very hard on the eyes. And let's face it . . . who wants the wrinkles and crinkles that come with squinting! HEE HEE

3. On those days when it is inclement and not a good idea to walk outdoors, I use my treadmill. Not going to give up my walking!

4. I also have other equipment to keep things going when relegated to the indoors.

stability ball

dumb bells

resistance bands

jump rope

pedometer to track steps

stationary bike

What are some fun things to do when outdoors (besides walking, of course):

Make snow angels (Just do it . . . it's fun!) good for burning 214 calories/hr.

Have a snowball fight (HEE HEE Fun and it burns 319 calories/hr.

Build a snowman -- who says you have to have kids to do that! Be a kid yourself! That is good for burning 285 calories/hr.

Dust off those ice skates! An hour of ice skating burns 450 calories.

A perk to exercising outdoors? You burn more calories in the cold because your body has to work harder to get warm!

C'mon. Let's have some winter fun!