You may be a couch zucchini—not obese, yet accustomed to a vegetative state in which exercise is regarded as neither do-able nor fun. If you are a couch zucchini, I advise you not to change your habits until January, when the gyms and exercise classes will abound with couch zucchinis.

On the other hand, maybe you are fit. Maybe you have a workout routine. Winter may severely challenge your routine.

December is dark and cold and wet.

In order to counter-act the gloominess of the weather, our culture has evolved a series of rituals to celebrate significant religious events in December. We party with friends, relatives and colleagues. We give presents. We light lights. We make merry.

All of which takes a lot of time, in a period which is already short on daylight. How can you go for your daily jog if you have to decorate, shop, and party, and it’s raining anyway? Your exercise classes may be taking a break and your gym may be closing early.

If you are fit, if you have an exercise routine, you understand the joy and necessity of exercise. All I can do is encourage you to keep up the good work in spite of the obstacles.

On Sunday morning I drove into town with the windshield wipers going, and passed a dozen people walking or jogging. My husband and I kept our golf date despite the drizzle. This is the time of year to lower your standards of acceptable weather. You know you are going to feel better if you get out there and do something physical. With the help of the lovely ladies in my yoga class, I offer a list of tips for getting more exercise between now and January.

• Far Parking: when you park your car, find the farthest parking space. The farthest space is the easiest one to find, saving time and minimizing stress. As you stroll toward the store, appreciate legs, air, birds and trees.
• Walking the dog: take all of your house guests out for a brisk walk with or without dogs. Alternately, go for a walk by yourself to get your daily dose of alone time.
• Pre-dinner fast walk: just before a big meal, cut the cocktail hour short and get everyone up to walk around the block.
• Kitchen-office push ups & squats: step back from your desk or a kitchen counter, put your hands on the edge, get your body in a straight line, and do push-ups while you are waiting for something. When you need something from a bottom cabinet, do a squat instead of bending over (mind your knees, though).
• Dancing: While you are working around the house, turn on some music with a beat, and shake it shake it baby.
• Early morning work-outs: if you wake up early, do your exercise routine first thing in the morning. Then it’s out of the way and not on your to-do list.
• Google your workout: If your class is taking a break, look online for a similar routine you can do at home, or try a new type of routine.
• Believe. Don't lose your faith that exercise makes you feel better.

The ideas in this page are matters of opinion. I am not a health professional—just a baby boomer who has worked hard for many years to be healthy. Please consult your doctor before staring an exercise routine.

For a free online taste of yoga, see Yoga Class