If you're somebody who enjoys taking a daily walk, you've probably noticed it's getting harder to stick with the routine lately.

The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and around here in Michigan, the weather forecast can go from sunshine to freezing rain before you've even found your other glove.

Let's face it, when it's dark, cold, and windy outside, walking around the neighborhood doesn't sound nearly as appealing as sitting on the couch with a blanket.

But don't give up on those steps just yet!

Fitness experts say there are plenty of ways to stay active without having to bundle up like you're heading to the North Pole.

Here are six ways to keep moving when Mother Nature isn't cooperating:

1. Walk around your house.
You don't need a fancy treadmill. Walk laps down the hallway, around the living room, or through the kitchen. Just watch out for the dog, the coffee table, and that one spot where everybody drops their shoes.

2. Take the stairs.
If you've got stairs at home or work, put them to use. A few trips up and down can get your heart pumping. Just don't make so many trips that you start wondering why you didn't build a ranch-style house.

3. Get some outdoor chores done.
When Michigan gives you a decent weather day, take advantage of it. Rake leaves, clean up the yard, shovel snow when it arrives, or tackle those outdoor projects you've been putting off.

4. Walk around the mall or grocery store.
This is a great option when it's too cold outside. You can get your steps in while doing a little shopping and people-watching. Just be careful. You might head into Meijer for a 20-minute walk and come out $75 poorer with a cart full of things you didn't know you needed.

5. Have a dance party!
Put on your favorite music and dance around the house. Nobody needs to see your moves, and nobody needs to know you just did three songs of cardio to your favorite country playlist.

6. Move more at work.
Take the longer route to the printer, use the stairs instead of the elevator, or get up and stretch throughout the day. Even small changes can add up.

And if you're somebody who gets comfortable in a chair and forgets to move for hours, set an alarm on your phone to remind you to get up, stretch, or take a quick walk.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

You don't have to walk five miles outside in freezing Michigan temperatures to stay active. A little movement throughout the day is better than spending the entire winter hibernating until the first robin shows up.

So whether you're doing laps around the living room, walking the aisles at Meijer, or dancing around the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to keep moving.

Source: HuffPost