Workouts- Oct 15

As winter approaches, the idea of heading outside to the gym -- let alone doing any outdoor exercise -- becomes less and less appealing. These are some exercises you can do inside that will keep you fit.

Crab Crawl: How to: Take a seat on the ground. Lift your rear off the ground in a bridge with your hands just outside your shoulders. Next, walk backwards 8 to 10 feet, stop and then reverse the motion forward. Repetitions: Do this exercise three times for 30 to 45 seconds, each. Depending on your level of fitness, you may need to work up to this. Health benefits: This routine works on your shoulders, triceps and core. It gives you a full body tone up

Supermans: This is one of my favorites. How to: Lay flat on your stomach with your arms out in front of you resting on the ground. Your legs should also be lying flat on the ground. With your head in a neutral position, lift both arms and legs simultaneously, as if you were flying. As you lift up your lower back should contract.Repetitions: Hold each movement for at least two to five seconds per repetition and depending on your fitness level do between 15 and 20 repetitions and work yourself up to three sets. Health benefits: This move strengthens the lower back muscles which is part of your core. This will really strengthen your lower back.

Side plank: How to: Lie on the ground on your side. Your shoulder should be in-line with your elbow. Lift and hold in the planked position for 30 to 60 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Repetitions: You should aim for three sets, each you will hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

Jumping Jacks, Foot-Fires and Squat Thrusts: This one is not for the faint of heart! How to: These are not your average jumping jacks from gym class. These are FAST jacks. After about 20 jumping jacks move into a modified squat position for "foot-fires." Act as if your feet are literally on fire tapping your feet to the ground alternating left and right as quickly as possible like you see football players do in their warm up. After you've tapped the ground 40 times with both your right and left feet you will go into squat thrusts. From a standing position drop to the ground in a push-up position with arms shoulder width apart. Once your hands touch the ground explode off the ground jumping as high as you can into the air. Repeat this 10 times. Repetitions: Aim to do the jumping jacks, foot-fires and squat thrusts three times.

Mountain Climbers: This is one of my least favorites, but one of the best mini-workouts. How to: Start out on the floor in a push-up position, hands shoulder-width apart. Tighten your abs so your body is straight from head to your heels. While keeping your upper body still, draw one knee at a time towards your hands, moving as quickly as possible. Repetitions: Work up to three sets with each set being 30 to 45 seconds.