Winter calls for spending more time indoors, gearing up for holiday season and overindulging in sweet and savory treats more often than not. When you're caught up in the whirlwind of revelries and festivities, it's much easier to skip the gym and put working out on hold until New Year's Resolution time rolls around.

Unfortunately, this may also mean you'll be greeting the New Year with a few extra pounds under your belt ... which is why you should pencil an anti-workout into your weekly schedule.

The anti-workout concept is simple; take up a new activity, hobby or pursuit that keeps you moving for at least 20-30 minutes but doesn't require you to hit the gym, change into workout clothes or even pick up special equipment.

All you need to do is try a new activity for the next 30 days. It's supposed to be fun, and it won't require a lot of motivation beyond taking that first step onto the skating rink, speed walking through the mall in the midst of a shopping blitz or just jumping into a snow fight with the kids. The idea is to get the benefits of a workout without accomplishing the impossible feat of completing a real workout.

Rearing to go? Here are some ideas to test out this winter season:

Dashing through the snow
Just like Santa and his reindeer, you can enjoy a sledding adventure that might just rev up that metabolism. Climbing up snowy banks and hills while lugging a sled can be a serious calorie burner.

Coordinating a holiday clean
Jump into a pre-spring cleaning event to clean up the place from floor to ceiling. Scrub those windows, polish the fireplace and rearrange the living room as quickly and efficiently as possible for a great anti-workout.

Escaping to a winter wonderland
Head out to the neighborhood ice skating rink to take in the fresh winter air while giving that lower body a killer workout.

Becoming a Wii Warrior
A few rounds of Nintendo Wii will keep you off the couch and taking on a new challenge. Plug in that Wii Fit and test your yoga, tennis or soccer skills - all from the great indoors.

It's that time of the year when tempting food and long days indoors fill up your daily schedule, leaving you little time to get to the gym or outside for an exercise session. If it looks like next year's New Year's resolution will be dominated by face time with a personal trainer, enrolling in cardio boot camp or trying out a new diet to peel off a few pounds, why not get a head start on your fitness wish list with a few extra trips to the gym?

Clocking in more gym time now means you can ward off excess pounds and prepare your body for Round 2 of your fitness frenzy before the Times Square ball drops. Here are some tips to stay motivated and get going on your fitness plan:

1. Pick out some trendy shoes. Sometimes a quick shopping session can lift your spirits and keep you motivated to finally hit the gym - so why not do it in style? Pick up a new pair of versatile running shoes or cross trainers so you can give yourself an excuse to put them to good use.

2. Pack for success. Load up a gym bag with all the necessities so you're always prepared to head off to the fitness center at a moment's notice. You'll be less likely to skip the gym when you have a bag sitting in the car or right by your door as a constant reminder.

3. Boost your spirits with a new gym outfit. A fresh pair of shorts, capris or other active wear can help you get your gym groove on in no time. Make a commitment to simply get dressed for the gym at a specific time during the day and give yourself only two choices: hit the gym or change back into your regular clothing. When you're all dressed and ready to go, you're much more likely to just get your gym circuit over and done with before you have a chance to quit!

Getting more gym time into your holiday schedule isn't as tough as it seems; just take action with any of these strategies so you can get a head start on your New Year's fitness resolutions.