Easy Ways to Burn 250 Calories this Winter

It's easy to use the cold winter weather as an excuse to stay indoors and skip the workout. Before you know it, winter will be over and you've lost all your muscle, momentum, and motivation. You may even find yourself more stressed out this holiday season when you're inactive. It's easier than you think to stay active this winter.

Make the time to stay fit and burn 250 calories with these fun winter activities.

1. Head to a rink and go ice skating this winter. You burn about 250 calories when you ice skate at a low intensity for 45 minutes. If you up the speed and intensity of your workout and you can reduce the amount of time that you're out on the ice. Instead of worrying about the clock, get the entire family involved for a fun workout that everyone can enjoy. You'll burn more calories and teach the kids the importance of staying active all year long.

2. Get out your snow shovel this winter. Don't be tempted by the ease of the snow blower. You can burn about 250 calories for every 45 minutes of snow shoveling, depending on the weight of the snow, your weight, and the intensity with which you shovel. While you might not consider this to be the most fun activity on your winter workout agenda, it is a great, productive workout with visible results. Let the kids build snow forts while you toss the snow to the side of the driveway or sidewalk.

3. Downhill skiing can also burn plenty of calories, so head out to the slopes. About an hour of downhill skiing can burn 250 calories, so you'll get a real workout with a half-day on the slopes. Enroll the kids in a class on the bunny slopes and make the most of your day. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration which is possible no matter the season. 4. Grab a date, or your girlfriends, and put on your dancing shoes. Turn up the heat this winter and head to a local salsa club: 30-45 minutes of dancing can burn approximately 250 calories! In addition to a great work-out, you'll get in out of the cold and get a chance to socialize with friends this winter.

5. Go for a brisk jog. Running might not sound like the most appealing winter activity, but it can often be easier to run when there's a chill in the air than when it's hot and humid outside. Even running at a slower pace, like a 12-minute mile, can burn almost 250 calories in 30 minutes. Make sure you're dressed appropriately for the season and watch out for any black ice along the way. Running at a local track (indoor or outdoor) may also be an option.