Greetings. I hope everyone has had a fabulous summer full of fun, outdoor activity. As the weather gets colder and the holidays creep ever closer, it's a good time to focus on your winter workout plan.

It is harder to burn the same amount of calories during the winter months as we do in the summer months; shorter days, colder temperatures, rain, sleet, etc. all tend to drive us into the "hibernating" mode. We also tend to take in more calories during the winter months too, cooking and eating heavier foods like casseroles and stews rather than salads and fruit. This combination of fewer calories burned and more calories eaten can be a recipe for weight disaster, if you are not prepared.

Don't get caught in this seasonal trap. Start planning now for how you are going to combat this. Decide now if you are going to brave the weather and continue to walk or run outside. If so, get the right gear. If not, make plans and decide when and where you are going to do your aerobic workouts inside. Bumping up your weight training and cutting down a bit on your aerobic workouts is a good winter strategy; remember, muscle burns lots of calories, even while you are doing nothing. Increasing muscle mass and work is good way to stay trim over the winter, but you must focus on working the big, calorie burning muscles: legs, back and chest.

Plan for better winter eating now, too. Try to put 10 dinners together on paper that are healthy and appropriate for the winter months, but are not laden with cheese and sauce. See if you can stock your pantry or freezer with any of the key ingredients you need for these meals, so they are there when you need them. Planning ahead is a key to keeping your caloric intake in check; spur of the moment decisions often lead to bad ones.