Ah. . . .the holidays are here again! Seems like it was just a year ago that this happened. 😄 Each year I try to write about ways to keep up our fitness and physical activity during the frigid holiday temps; so we don't fall off the wagon and turn into bon-bon couch potatoes. Us Hoosiers would agree that this can be quite the feat due to our general brutal winter seasons. The idea of getting moving (especially outdoors) and be quite unmotivating, so I wanted to share twelve tips for combating the winter enticement of curling up on the couch with a blanket instead of a mood elevating workout. I know it is close to Xmas but for those of you looking for a last minute gift (or for yourself) consider some of the following!

PantherVision Powercap: Description from the website says it all: With people's busy work schedules, running at night or in the predawn hours has become a necessity. POWERCAP® combines patented LED technology with the latest wicking performance fabrics and styles, to create the perfect lighted running hat to light your way and keep you safe. These men's and women's lighted running caps put out more than 42 lumens and are perfectly balanced unlike traditional headlamps.

With reflective material strategically placed on the front and back of these running hats, you will be easily seen by motorists, bicyclists and others while you are focused on that perfect run.

www.panthervision.com

Annual Park Pass: People can't believe that I run outdoors all winter long; and trust me I am not a cold "lover". But hitting the tree covered trails makes an EXTREME difference as the trees insulate the trails (kind of like an igloo effect). It is an awesome way to get a taste of the beauty of winter nature. So, having a pass for the entire year is a helpful way to motivate getting out there (dogs love them too!). My favorites are Eagle Creek Park (www.eaglecreekpark.org/) and Fort Benjamin Harrison Park (www.in.gov/dnr/files/ftharrison). Both have an abundance of trails and are in Indianapolis.

Climb Time Indy or Hoosier Heights: These large indoor rock climbing gyms are a great way to get an indoor workout in a creative way. They have programs for all ages and abilities. Climb Time is in Castleton and Hoosier Heights have locations in Indianapolis and Bloomington. Find them at: climbtimeindy.com and hoosierheights.com

Heart Rate Monitor: In my personal opinion ditch the Fitbit and similar models that "guess" your calorie burn and daily steps. Mine was always considerably off on distance, and hence calories as well. Consider getting a much more accurate measure of both by using a heart rate monitor such as a Garmin or Polar that measures heart rate, calories, distance, and even cadence. Higher end models can allow you to upload your workout into your computer so that you can actually "playback" and watch your activity; pretty cool training device! Garmin.com or polar.com

Sign up for a race: Every weekend, year round, there are races such as 5 and 10ks. This is a great way to keep up training and also can involve the entire family. Tuxedo Brothers Event Management has a large list of races at Tuxbro.com.

Try a (new) Class: Whether you are a current class go-er or not, trying a fitness class new to you is not only good for your body, but also for your mind especially during the dreary winter weather. There are so many styles of classes ranging from Zumba, TRX, Spinning and Yoga that anyone is sure to find their favorites to keep em coming back for more.

IronMan Yurbuds: Great for yourself or a gift, these earbuds are my all-time favorite. I have always struggled with other kinds falling out of my ears and these puppies don't budge one bit. If you also have this problem and enjoy listening to music while working out these are a must! Yurbuds.com

Take advantage of winter only sports: The only time you can sled, snowshoe, cross country ski is in the winter, so take advantage of it. Most parks encourage these activities. Just bundle up and warm up with some hot chocolate!! Indyparks.org even has a comprehensive Winter Fun Guide that lists hundreds of activities to keep you on the go.

DriFit Face Mask: Speaking of bundling up, a DriFit face mask is an absolute MUST in the coldest temperatures. It is truly amazing at keeping you warm without getting soggy. Blue Mile in Broad Ripple offers several types of these gems.

SkyZone: As listed on their website: Sky Zone is the world's first indoor trampoline park. We're the inventors of "fun fitness" and the makers of trampolines as far as the eye can see. We give you one of the greatest workouts ever combined with awesome, healthy fun. We've been voted the number one "out of the box" workout and the "best party ever." Experience WOW - the weightlessness of bouncing, flipping and landing in a pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes. Skyzone.com

Hire a Personal Trainer: A great way to shake up (or start) your routine is to get a certified personal trainer to keep you motivated this winter. Getting a package is a great and generous gift idea as well. Search the Internet to find one that fits you or your loved one.

Take healthy cooking classes/hire a nutritionist: Healthy eating is key to maintaining weight, proper nutrition and fueling your workouts. Learning from a professional how to prepare nutritious meals for yourself and your family could be extremely helpful to head you toward better health this winter.

Workout Videos: Let's face it; there are some days that the conditions do not allow you to venture outdoors. Even the bravest souls must endure staying at home for safety reasons. Arm yourself with a handful of fun and effective workout DVDS (or even ones on YouTube) can get you through the cabin fever. Beachbody.com has dozens of options for a wide range of abilities.

Try some of these tips and I am sure that you with break through the winter blues. Happy Holidays!