Jumpstart Your Fitness: How to avoid the winter workout blues

I think any change of seasons has the potential to throw a kink into your fitness or weight-loss plan, but winter seems to be the worst. What was working in warm weather, be it certain foods you like in the summer or outdoor exercise, may not work in the winter when the weather gets colder. If you're finding yourself in a stale situation, here are 10 tips for avoiding -- or curing -- the winter workout blues:

• Take a vacation to somewhere warm and sunny. I've heard this idea before, and I'm sure it works -- if you're lucky enough to have the time and the money.
• Get a workout buddy. Even if it's cold and gross out, if somebody is waiting for you you're obviously less likely to skip your workout and go home to snack.
• Hire a personal trainer. Just to get you through the winter hump. If it's not really in your budget, consider signing up for joint sessions with a workout buddy and splitting the cost.
• Join a club. Find one that interests you, running for example, and use the built-in support system and new people you'll meet as inspiration.
• Be realistic. Don't beat yourself up over a plateau in your weight-loss goals or fitness plan. Maybe focusing on maintenance for a couple weeks is a good thing, and will give you renewed energy to jump back into it later.
• Scale back. Allow yourself some room to cut back a little. It's better than risking total burn-out and quitting completely.
• Get some new home gear. New stuff equals new inspiration!
• Workout in the morning. Start the day positive and energized, and with your workout already out of the way!
• 10 minute workouts. Short and sweet, ten minute mini-workouts can help get you through a motivation slump.
• Join an online community, such as eDiets.com. The available resources and new ideas might be just what you need to keep going strong.