Spring is here! Spring is here! If you live in the north, then you know what a wicked winter this has been. Snow is awesome, I'm not complaining, but to be able to walk outside without several layers of clothing and outerwear on feels like freedom to me.

If the weather is improving in your area, then it's time to take your workout outside (if that's what you like to do). Keep in mind, though, that outdoor workouts are more difficult that those that happen on a treadmill or elliptical trainer. Watch for icy patches and broken sidewalks, and take your time on hills and rugged terrain until your body adjusts to your spring workout schedule.

Speaking of spring workouts, FitList has one for you to try -- check it out!

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Sitting along a popular Baltimore walking path, about 1/4 mile apart, are several new outdoor workout machines that have become a hit with locals. A rowing machine, elliptical machine, and a few resistance training stations have been built along the walking path and are available for the public to use for free, and use them they do.

Visitors to the park say that they can use the path and the machines together and get a total workout in all in one place, and that they enjoy not having to visit a gym (or pay membership fees) to get in a gym-style workout. City leaders are happy with the setup so far, saying that when they installed the machines they targeted the part of the population that may not have the money to afford access to such equipment, and that they want to be a healthy city.

This reminds me of those old workout paths where you stopped along a jogging route to do pull ups, sit ups, or whatever else those little signs told you to do. Great in theory, even better in modern application!

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Looking for something different to spice up your outdoor fitness routine? Why not try orienteering? (Here's one woman's experience on the course.) Orienteering is a foot race like no other. Racers gather at a park or wooded area and get assigned a card. Then, using only a map and a compass, they must find 9-12 different flags scattered throughout the wilderness. At each flag is a different hole punch, and the first person or team to fill their card in the shortest period of time, wins. The sport combines the physical aspects of hiking, light climbing, and racing with the mental challenge of a scavenger hunt.

To prepare, make sure you're in good enough physical shape to cover rough and rugged terrain at a fairly fast pace. Also, make sure to get some lessons in map and compass reading if you've never done so before. If you discover it's really a sport that you love, you'll be happy to know there are lots of variations: ski orienteering, mountain bike orienteering, canoe orienteering, and even a similar sport called rogaining.

Orienteering races range from ultra-competitive to family friendly...you just have to find the events that suits your style. Anyone here ever been orienteering? Share your experience with us!

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So you ate an enormous Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. You totally blew it, big time and kinda on purpose! After all, it was a holiday. But today you're feeling a little guilty and wish you could get out and do something physical to feel better about it. But there's family from out of town and they only get to stay a few days, so you'd hate to miss out on precious time with them.

So organize a family hike! It's a great way to spend time with your loved ones while doing something interesting and healthy, and it's great for kids and adults alike. Although you'll need to take different family member's individual fitness and health levels into account, hiking at a moderate to intense pace for one hour burns approximately 600 calories! And there are lots of ideas and suggestions on planning your hike, where to go, what to pack, how to stay safe, and ways to make it more interesting.

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