The fun winter workout

With frigid winter temperatures people are finding every excuse to stay at home. And it's not just leisure activities that are falling by the wayside: those New Year's fitness resolutions seem impossible to conquer when the temperature drops.

When the weather gets bad, it makes it even harder to stick to your fitness goals. For a lot of people, it's hard enough to start an exercise program even under the best conditions. Add bad weather to the mix, and many people will just throw in the towel.

Bring a friend... or make some new ones

Many people enjoy mall walking all year long, not just when the weather makes walking outside difficult. One reason is that they feel safer walking alone in a mall setting than they would in a park or in their neighbourhoods. But bringing along a walking buddy or joining a group can give you extra encouragement and support.

Keep focused... even if there's a sale

There are many more distractions when walking in a mall than there might be in your neighbourhood. It's all right to do a little window-shopping, but be sure to keep moving: you want to do at least a half an hour of continuous movement (at your own pace, of course).

Don't forget to gear up

Even though you're walking indoors, you should still invest in a good pair of walking shoes. The proper shoes mean you'll be comfortable enough to keep moving! To ensure the best fit, go shopping in the afternoon, because feet tend to swell during the day.

Reward yourself... but keep it healthy

Giving yourself a treat after reaching a workout goal is a great way to stay motivated, and mall walking makes rewards easy to find. But just because you've worked out doesn't mean you can hit any restaurant in the food court.