Winter (Sorry) Excersize?

Let me start by saying I'm super sorry for saying the W word! Now that that's done...

I have been watching the pounds melt away since the weather got warm. I've been eating lighter, riding my bike or walking everywhere, and just generally being more active. The outdoor pools open this week in Toronto and I know this summer is going to be kickass for me.

I am worried though, that when October hits and it's time to put the bike away that I might start gaining. Rather than wait and see I've decided to be proactive and start putting together a winter fitness plan!

What are your favourite winter activites? Indoor? Outdoor? (please note that I'm in Canada where winter is REALLY winter, it's cold and there is snow everywhere)

Thanks!

I just go to the gym a lot more and play indoor soccer. You could also take indoor classes like kickboxing or something.

I  also live in Canada/Ontario so I can relate.  Skating, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, etc are good winter exercises. 

 Of course anything at the gym (spinning classes since you seem to like your bike) when it is really nasty out or you do not have access to a place to do these outdoor winter sports is a good idea. 

I`m an amateur cyclist and I`ll ride my bike in wind, rain, snow, in a skirt, on high heels, with a sore knee, sore muscles, plantar fasciitis, with a headache, on my period - you get the gist of it.

It helps that I look at it as my only means of transportation. Just like those people who hide away the jar of cookies behind the bag of carrots, so when they grab a snack it`s the healthier choice.

Call it love, call it denial, call it insanity - either way, it works wonders for me. And many people think I`m awesome because of it, that`s a nice bonus. ;)

Kickboxing sounds great! I think I'll look something like that up!

The gym is a steady standby but I only go when I HAVE to. I find myself really unmotivated to go, I think it's the paint colour LOL

I don't know if I'll be able to bike in the snow - but I am loving it sooooooo much that it's a possibilty!

Thanks for your great suggestions!

I live in northern BC, so I know your winter exercise pain.  I too drop tons of weight in the brief summer months and then pack it back on in the winter.  This winter I've decided to do our local iceman in February which will give me the motivation to keep training even in the snow.  I've also recruited my husband to be my training buddy to keep me motivated to get out and run in the winter.  It is way to dangerous to bike here in the winter, mostly due to idiots in cars, but lots of other things are still safe, especially walking.

What is an Iceman? Like a winter triathlon?

I'm intrigued!

I'm at the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum in Australia but I live in the Outback where it's SUMMER 9 months of the year and have the same problem.  (no pool access)  When the weather chases me indoors, I take up yoga, pilates and other video-based exercise programs. While it doesn't burn at the same intensity as aerobic exercise, it helps keep the weight gain at bay.

I recently bought an elliptical trainer and while it was an investment, it's something that I can work out on 24/7/365.  I put it in our living room where it stares me in the face if I'm not working out.  Luckily, we rarely entertain so I don't care if it "clashes with our decor."  :)

Short of that, I agree with the indoor soccer suggestion.  Do they have other indoor sports at your disposal?  Basketball, volleyball, hockey?

Good luck to you this winter!