Fitness gurus and personal trainers encourage us to try circuit training for that super-buff body we've been coveting all year, but when you're not disciplined enough to play boot camp master on every workout, chances are you just stick with your usual gym routine. Maybe this is the season to change things up and jump into some new activities? Heart-pumping winter sports including snowboarding, cross-country skiing and even snowshoeing. These are just a few ways to get out of that fitness rut and slip and slide into mega-calorie-burning mode.

If you're used to watching the ski bunnies from the comfort of your cabin all winter long, commit to at least one cross-country skiing session per week and enjoy a workout in the process. Skiing will get your metabolism revved up in no time, and it is the perfect excuse for taking in some fresh winter air. Just put on that puffy snow jacket or vest, grab some snow goggles and navigate down those slopes for a killer lower-body workout.

When you're anxious to try an extreme sport activity this season, head out on a snowboarding adventure with some boots and gloves that will keep you warm and protected against that harsh winter chill. Snowboarding will give you a chance to put your upper and lower body muscles to the ultimate test; you'll need to balance and maneuver that board across challenging terrain at a high speed, but this heart-pumping activity is sure to turn that calorie burn up a few notches.

No snow in your area this season? You can still change up your winter workout routine with a mountain biking trip or hiking excursion. Give that lower body the ultimate workout by adding weights to your ankles for resistance or loading up a backpack with extra gear. You can count on a super-calorie burning workout after just 20 to 30 minutes of constant movement.

Getting into a fitness rut is easy when your daily workout schedule consists of angst-ridden minutes of running on the treadmill and training for hours using the good old elliptical machine. Unfortunately, your body has probably adapted to the ho-hum routine, and you aren't burning off as many calories as you think during every workout. Jump into a fresh new workout routine to give your metabolism a boost and enjoy the great outdoors this winter.

When the holiday season calls for late-night dining, extra-large servings of festive treats and little time to head to the gym, livening up your fitness routine might help ward off any holiday pounds and relieve a little stress in the process. The holidays leave most of us with 5 to 10 pounds of extra baggage to be dealt with in the New Year, but you don't need to carry that extra weight when you have a fitness plan by your side. A few tweaks to your schedule are all it really takes to keep your health and fitness goggles planted firmly in position when the dessert tray rolls around.

Invest in a snazzy new gym bag to recommit to your fitness purpose. A stylish bag gives you a chance to show off the latest trends at the gym and may even prompt you to pack it up with your essential gear during a busy week. Pick up something fresh and trendy like the Columbia Metropolis Cybersling or the PUMA Runway Grip Bag and you might be inspired to head out to the gym more often than not.

Pick up a pair of cross trainers and join an indoor sports team in your neighborhood for a fun, stress-free way to burn off a few calories. Indoor sports like soccer and indoor tennis are great ways to relieve stress and work on your skills; a friendly game with the neighbors or a local team can keep you motivated to move, even in the midst of the holiday frenzy.

Ready to dance? Put on your dancing shoes for a tap or jazz session at your local community center and easily burn a few hundred calories per hour. You can jump and jive to your favorite tunes and pick up a few dancing skills in the process. A fresh new dance routine is a great way to keep moving during 'couch-potato' season. Plus, you'll have a chance to show off your moves at the next holiday party!

If going to the gym during holiday season just isn't making it on your to-do list, there are plenty of alternative ways to get up and get moving so you can stay in shape. Indoor sports and dance classes are just a few options. Think of creative ways to stay fit and healthy this season so you can ward off those holiday pounds.