Yes, that time of year is upon us again. Usually there is a certain point where it becomes uncomfortable to go out in the morning and start your car, because it's freezing! Winter has arrived and with it the cold weather and snow are here, or on its way here. How can a person possibly keep in shape and exercise during the winter without killing the budget on a huge gym membership that none of ever uses?

The answer is right in front of you. The answer is you and your humble abode.

You hold the key to getting workout done this winter, and without breaking the wallet on some 12 month gym membership that you would only use during the cold months.

Let's look at a few different exercise and workout options that will keep us all fit and trim, at least to some degree, so we don't end up loosing all that ground we made up this summer.

Any outdoor and adventure person probably spends a good amount of time, or at least some, getting exercise outside whether we think about it like that or not.

Photo by 917press

We may fish, camp, hike, run, bike, paddle, and the list goes on. When Mr. Frost decides to come a knocking, for many people this means the end to long weekends of frolicking in the grass, and a early demise of our exercise.

This may not be the key to looking like a Men's Health magazine, but something is better then nothing right? So, how can we working out and get exercise done in the winter?

1. Buy a nice cheap pull-up bar that fits in a doorway.
This is probably the cheapest and easiest way to stay fit this winter instead of growing on the couch. Pullup bars are a great way to keep that upper body in shape. Arms, chest, abs, back, you name it.

2. Workout Balance Ball
You’ve probably seen these balls bouncing around in some gym or yoga workout area and always keep walking on by, but not this winter. These balls provide a great way to do core workouts and keep your balance up while working out indoors during the winter.

3. Cheap Dumbbells
You should never be intimidated with a cheap pair of plastic dumb bells, picking up a pair of 20 dollar weights could be the best thing you do for yourself. Before you get all worried the idea is to do a lot more then just curls with dumbbells.

They are good for squats and a multitude of other exercises to keep you limber and in shape.

4. Snowshoes and Cross-country skis
Ahh, at last, the best of the best. We all would go crazy if our only choice was to sit inside all winter long dreaming of warmer days, but never fear, we have other options. Show-shoeing and cross country skiing is a great way to have fun and stay in shape during the winter months.

You would be surprised to know that snowshoes and cross country skis are not that expensive. And if 80 bucks is to much for you budget, hit craigslist or the rental store for your pair.

That’s right, now you have all the ammo you need this winter to keep in shape, or at least stave the effect of those brownies for a little while. Just remember, a pull-up bar, some dumbbells, a exercise ball, and some skis or snow shoes will save your body from you this winter. Do you get much of a workout in the winter? Do you go to the gym or do exercises in your home?