Here in the nation's capital, the night of the “thundersnow” struck this week, leaving some commuters parked on highways and roads for 10 or more hours.  We’re hardly alone.  The East Coast has been hit time and again.  The wind chill factors reported out of Minnesota and elsewhere have been startling. And even the normally snow-free zones in the South have not been immune to the cold.

But just because winter weather patterns are putting a crimp on outdoor exercise for some, that doesn’t mean all physical fitness routines need to go into hibernation.

The challenge is to look for indoor spaces that can serve as a makeshift walking track and for exercise routines that can be done in your living room or bedroom. Some solutions are as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work and braving the cold – not for lunch, but for a brisk lunch hour walk.

Your favorite search engine can guide you to tips on staying in shape during the winter months. You also will find dozens of online calculators for how many calories everyday activities burn.

If you have a gym membership and can safely get there, you’re good to go.  If not, the Wall Street Journal has taken a look at websites that bring exercise classes right into your living room–ranging from live, streaming-cardio classes to downloadable yoga meditation.

You’ll also find tips for staying active through The President’s Challenge.  No longer just for school kids, the challenge—part of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition—is for anyone who wants to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.

Indoors or out, always remember to practice any fitness program safely, check with your physician when appropriate and to hydrate properly.