In the winter, exercise regimens may subside as fall sports have ended and outdoor runs can get chilly. When the weather declines, hitting the gym seems to be a common resolution. However, for those who do not enjoy running on a treadmill, there are alternative options.

Many local gyms offer fitness classes that engage different types of exercising in a learning environment. Life Time Fitness in Burr Ridge has classes including step, aerobics, dance movement, cycling, and kickboxing. Gyms also foster more social options. “They can even have a pick-up game of basketball,” said Mrs. Kelly Watson, assistant athletic director, PE and health teacher.

Independent studios can create a focused, indoor atmosphere to exercise in. CorePower Yoga  in Hinsdale offers yoga classes geared toward toning, centered on both the exercise and the peaceful elements of yoga. Some of these include hot yoga, yoga sculpt, and an abdominal-based CorePower yoga. For a more rigorous approach to Pilates, try taking classes at the Dailey Method in La Grange.

For less expensive options, local recreation centers offer exercise classes and sports leagues.

Watson offers more suggestions for exercise at home. A variety of different core and sit-up routines are available online, and toning activities can replace weights with household items like soup cans. Exercise videos, such as P90X rogram videos, tend to be convenient because routines are led by the video instructors and have no rigid schedule or time length.

For those who lack time for organized activity, simply walking places institutes an element of exercise into daily life. Walking the dog generates exercise while also taking care of chores. Walking through the shopping mall carrying heavy bags of purchases tones leg and arm muscles. Walking through the city or a museum for a day can amount to several miles of distance covered.

For the more adventurous, who do dare to brave the winter weather, try some outdoor options: ice skating, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice boat racing, Polar Bear running and the Polar Bear Plunge.