By Jackie Wingate & Kristina Welke

Decreased activity during the winter can contribute to weight gain and fatigue. It can also increase your risk for medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Making time for regular exercise during the winter is especially important for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. Exercise also releases feel good “endorphins” that can help improve mood during the long winter months.

People engaging in leisure activities in the winter seasons is beneficial to our society and health Supports Rec centers Winter sports will provide you with the opportunity to stay active and fit while enjoying a change of scenery for your exercise routine People usually gain 7-12 pounds during the winter holiday seasons

Outdoor activities Hockey Ice-skating Ice-fishing Sledding Skiing Snowboarding Snowmobiling Hunting Indoor activities Swim at an indoor pool Purchase aerobics, dance or other exercise videos Start a hobby or join a club Walk laps in the mall Go to a basketball or hockey game

Where you can ice- skating/and play hockey Joliet park district Seven Bridges Ice Arena Downers Grove Ice Arena Places to go Snowboarding/skiing Four lakes Tyrol Alpine Valley Chestnut Villa Olivia

Finding people to engage on the activity during the season It brings people closer together New exercise can be struggle, but finding someone and going to a club or a rec center that is affordable and is helpful Beginning a new hobby is better for your health Martial arts Pilates Yoga Kick boxing These new workouts stimulate your mind as well as your body.

Its cold and gloomy out and people want to stay inside and stay warm Gets dark out around 4:30pm and a lot of parents wants kids home when it gets dark out