Staying active

Frontiersman reporter

With the temperatures dropping and darkness arriving earlier and earlier, many people begin to settle into their winter hibernation habits.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one-third of Americans are almost completely inactive during the winter months.

On a nice summer day people go for a walk or a run, during the winter the extent of many people's walking and running is from the warm house to the warm car. It can be difficult to start or keep up with an exercise plan during the winter.

"By staying fit during winter you'll be able to avoid gaining weight," said Lynn Bode, a certified personal trainer. "You'll have a head start on the summer season, and avoid losing strength and stamina caused from inactivity."

If you get your exercise by walking, take it indoors. Use a treadmill, indoor track or take your "power walk" at the mall early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Join a health club or a gym. You'll find stationary bikes, weights, racquetball and volleyball courts and more.

Indoor swimming is an outstanding way to maintain all-round fitness. Rent, check out or purchase an exercise video -- and use it every day.

Sign up for an exercise class. In the Valley, you'll find a wide variety of options, from kick-boxing to yoga. Invest in some exercise equipment for your home.

Take up a winter sport. If you're ambitious, try downhill skiing or snowboarding. If you want to play it a bit safer, try cross-country skiing, or ice skating. Of course there are many more options for staying active and keeping fit during the winter months.

Cardiovascular training is especially important during the winter. The Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports that Americans suffer 53 percent more heart attacks during the winter as compared to summer. Heart attacks are a special danger to out-of-shape people who suddenly step outside for a vigorous session of snow-shoveling.

An additional bonus to staying in shape through the winter months is that you will be less likely to hurt yourself in the spring when the temperature warms up and you're drawn outside for the coming summer activities.

Do keep in mind that winter is no different than warm weather when it comes to keeping hydrated, even though you may not appear to be sweating as much and don't feel as thirsty. Experts recommend taking in about eight ounces of fluid for every 15 minutes of exercise. Additionally, experts recommend hydrating before, as well as during and after, exercise.

For more ideas and information, go to the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov and type the words "physical activity" in the search box.