With the weather consistently staying below freezing, students are turning indoors to continue staying active. Not only are athletes working out indoors, but some recreational enthusiasts are also finding alternative ways to continue doing the things they enjoy.

While winter season athletes are guaranteed time and space to practice and stay active, out of season athletes have to get creative in order to exercise. Some students have tried finding a local gym or recreation center, working out at home, or layering up and embracing the cold.

Aside from Olympian Speed School, weights class, SAQS and other out of season sports programs, students are still getting a dose of indoor activity in other nontraditional ways. Stationary cycling, yoga, rock climbing, and ultimate frisbee are just a few of the ways students are staying active.

If you are looking to do something other than sit on a couch, head to a local gym and ask about the programs they offer. Tipton Lakes Athletic Club, Columbus Fit and Total Fit offer cycling, yoga, pilates, zumba, mixed martial arts, ping pong, tennis, racquetball and even personal training sessions.

Some local gyms such as FFY, St. Bartholomew and Ceraland offer recreational winter basketball leagues. Creating a recreational league basketball team is a cheap, fun way to stay active. For more information visit the FFY website, Ceraland website, or contact the St. Bartholomew Holy Hoops League to create a team.

Sometimes a more cost efficient and convenient option for students is to work out at home or school. A Youtube search for “easy workouts” will turn up thousands of videos ranging from small ab routines and stretching to intense cardio and crossfit style workouts.

While beginning to schedule classes for next year, consider adding weight training or PE as opposed to an “easy A” filler class. That way, you will be required to be active for 30-45 minutes a day, and you have specific workouts to do in the winter.