Do you live in an area where the weather stays sunny all year? If so, you may not have experienced the urge to hibernate that can hit when winter brings rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. If you're like many Americans, however, you know how hard it can be to stay physically active when you can't get outdoors for the activities you enjoy most.

Heart health knows no season. Your heart needs at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week no matter what the weather's like. Resist the temptation to settle in for a long winter's nap. Celebrate American Heart Month by trying these heart-healthy activities you can do indoors. Some require a bit of an investment, but many will cost you nothing at all!

Make an Investment
Join a Health Club: If you can afford the monthly fee, you'll have access to all sorts of indoor activities, from swimming and water aerobics to the weight room, walking track, and basketball courts.

Buy Equipment for Your Home: This one-time expense can really pay off by allowing you to work out whenever it's convenient. Equipment runs from the more costly (treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine) to the less expensive (hand weights, exercise ball). Keep your equipment in the same room as your television, and then get your 30 minutes of activity while you watch your favorite shows.

Sign Up for a Class: Instead of purchasing a whole gym membership, find a regular, a la carte class you'll enjoy, such as yoga, aerobic dance, or spinning.

Spend a Little
Buy an Exercise Tape or DVD: For as little as $15, you'll have a routine that's available whenever you are. Purchase a few different workouts for variety and added motivation.

Be a Sport: Racquetball, basketball, even soccer—many of your favorite sports can be played indoors. You may have to purchase some equipment and pay a league fee or facilities admission, but you can minimize the impact on your budget by teaming up with friends and dividing the costs.

Make Date Night Dancing Night: Instead of going to the movies, why not get dressed up for a night of country line dancing, disco, or ballroom dance? Go with a romantic partner, or a group of friends, and work up a sweat together on the dance floor.

Go Ice-Skating: Find an indoor rink and enjoy gliding around on the ice. You'll get your heart rate up, plus you'll work several of your major muscle groups.

Get Active for Free
Practice Good Old-Fashioned Calisthenics: Calisthenics are simple movements you can do without equipment—think jumping jacks, squats, and sit-ups or crunches. Do several sets while watching television in the evening.

Walk the Mall: Find an indoor public place with lots of room and take a good, brisk walk.

Climb Stairs: You can do this at home, at work, or wherever there's a staircase.

Skip Rope: Find a room with a high ceiling and jump. Just for fun, recite those rope-skipping rhymes you knew as a kid.

Dance to Your Own Music: Who needs a formal aerobics class? Just turn on your stereo or MP3 player, and groove away.

Play with Your Kids or Pets: Physical activity doesn't have to be a big effort—you can get a good workout simply by having fun with the ones you love. Wrestle on the floor or play hide-and-seek with your children, nieces, nephews, or grandkids. Or initiate a game of pounce with your cat or dog. Your heart will enjoy the exercise, and you'll enjoy the together time.