Right now my main form of exercise is brisk walking/occasional jogging/hiking with my dog - about 1-2 miles every weekday after I get home from work and then 10-15 miles on the weekend. I supplement with the Wii (boxing, tennis, DDR) and arm exercises w/ 10lb dumbbells.

It's getting colder and colder every day here in Chicagoland and I'm starting to worry about what I'll do when it snows. I'm too chicken to go to a gym just yet, I hate doing workout videos because I get bored super easy and I don't have any exercise equipment at home. Do you guys think it will be too difficult to be out walking in 15 degree weather with snow and ice on the ground or if I get some good boots or sneakers w/ treads, should I be okay? Do you think it might be worth it to start looking into some treadmills? Now that I'm 100lbs lighter than I used to be, I notice there are a lot more treadmill options that aren't 1k +.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions!

I'm near Boston and I got some YakTrax http://www.yaktrax.com/walker for when the sidewalks are gross and icy. They just slip on over your boots. I walk in snow (walking while it's snowing at night is gorgeous!) and after snow.

It's slower going because you are picking your way through drifts and slush, but it's totally worth it.

I have no experience with walking in 15 degree weather with snow and ice on the ground, so can't give any advise there. I would use the workout videos even if I was bored. I have been known to run my Walk Away the Pounds DVD on my laptop while watching a tv show on the television. I have also listened to an audio book while walking on a circular track. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

My library has workout DVDs. Maybe you could try those and just rotate.

Do you do strength training? Resistence bands are very versatile and not expensive. Or a stability ball.

I grew up in/live in a cold & snowy climate too, and I totally intend to get outside.... nothin' a little layering and solid footwear won't fix!

Besides, we need our vitamin D.

Those YaxTrax look like just what I need! I saw something similar @ Fleet Feet but they were around $80 and I didn't want to spend that much if they were a crock. Thanks!

I never thought about doing Walk Away the Pounds on my laptop or just walking in place while watching TV or something (silly, I know, but it just never occurred to me) - that's a good idea for when it's just *too* nasty to even contemplate wandering outdoors.

I ordered Zumba DVDs and they are great fun. It gets in the negatives here. In fact it is currently a -10 here. So I totally understand the winter exercising issue. PS we don't have a gym here.