Winter Workouts

Nothing makes you feel the need to get in shape more than trying on 60 wedding dresses in one day and having them all squeeze you like a sausage. Having to have your dress clipped together, not being able to pull the zipper all the way up...it was like a big alarm went off saying "Red Alert! Red Alert! Bride-to-be Needs Fitness Intervention!"

The funny thing is that I actually like working out. I like eating healthy. Its just making the time to work out and the time to cook healthy meals that I seem to have a problem with.

The main problem I run into is that during this time of the year, it is really hard to squeeze a workout into the daylight hours since the majority of those take place while I'm at work. In the summer I typically run 3-4 days a week and live a very active lifestyle. But during the winter I just dont feel safe running in the dark. My budget is extremely tight these days, so a gym membership is out of the question.

Luckily, I enrolled in a semester long running class through the local community college. It cost me a whopping $30 for the entire semester, and I get to workout on the track under stadium lights 2 nights a week with a great group of people- and under the supervision of an experienced college coach. In addition to running, our coach also puts us through a tough strength training routine at the end of each workout.

Not only am a feeling better about my health by adding more intense workouts into my week, but I also find my classes to be a great stress reliever. The wedding stress monster leaves the minute my feet hit the track!

What type of exercise is your favorite during the winter months?