Burn, Baby, Burn

Chances are you’ve had a few too many Christmas cookies and Cosmos this holiday season. And, those pants you bought in October and wrapped up as a holiday gift for yourself are a little tighter than your remember. Lucky for you, we’ve got a whole list of winter activities to whip you back into shape without boring you to tears.

Snow-shoeing

This winter classic not only works the legs (thighs and calves), but also your abdomen. Snowshoe for an hour and you’re likely to burn a good 500 calories. Use poles and give your upper body a real workout too.

Cross-Country Skiing

Strap on those skis and head to the trails. A mere hour of this invigorating sport will burn at least one fourth of your daily caloric intake if not more and you’re arms will look just fabulous in 2008.

Ice-Skating

You don’t have to be Sasha Cohen to use up calories on the rink. Lace up your skates, put on some spandex, and burn, baby, burn. Your thighs and calves will thank you.

Downhill Skiing / Snowboarding

Even after just one run, you know you’ve done your body good. Your thighs will hurt, your bum will ache, and yet you’ll be having an absolute blast. Experts say an hour of this sport burns just 375 calories, but if you really bust a move we are sure you can do more.

Ice Hockey

Grab a group of pals and some pads and head to Atkinson’s Park. An hour-long scrimmage can burn more than 500 calories, even if you don’t allow checking.

Sledding

This speedy activity is so much fun you’ll forget you’re actually working out. Of course, it’s the trek up the hill that will give you’re the workout, but the ride down will make you want to do it again and again and again.

Snow Fight

Think dodge ball but outside and without some old guy throwing wrenches at you. You’ll get rid of hundreds of calories as you bend over, ball up some snow, hurl it at another and then run like mad.

Shoveling Snow

It’s not the most exciting activity, but your family, friends and neighbors will love you for it. Even more rewarding is that an hour of shoveling burns around 300-350 calories.


Even if you’re not feeling the need to work off your holiday blubber, at least knowing these numbers will make the trip to Grumpy’s for a schooner and a basket of fries all the more rewarding.