Kate:

Well, it’s December now, and it’s cold.  Today was the first snow in Chicago, and I know it’s only going to get worse.  Last winter was pretty mild, so this one is bound to be bad.

Exercising is so much harder when it’s cold outside.  The motivation to leave the apartment when not absolutely necessary goes way down.  I have some workout DVDs, including Jillian Michaels’ 30-Day Shred, but I’ve only gotten as far as watching them to see what they’re all about.  That doesn’t burn many calories!

Yesterday I walked round-trip to the movie theater to see An Education.  6.5 miles, a great movie, and I got some Christmas shopping done!  By the time I got home, I really needed a warm shower and some serious time defrosting.  I was really proud of myself for making the effort, and today I made it to the gym.

However, I really need to explore other options for exercising during the winter, when I just can’t bear the cold.  Sticking within my calorie range goes a long way, but I don’t think it’s going to get the job done the way I want it to.  Any suggestions?