Beat the Workout Blues

Before the Chicago winter forces your workout regime indoors, remember that pumping iron is not the only indoor option for staying in shape. Thanks to improved technology and America's passion for fitness, gyms now offer a slew of new indoor workout options for having fun and staying in shape. So give your indoor workout routine an overhaul this fall. Check out the following, and remember - the key to achieving fitness success is finding an activity that you enjoy.

Spinning: Spinners pedal in a group on stationary bikes arranged in a semicircle. Riders listen to music through headphones while visualizing rough terrain as the resistance changes automatically on their bikes.

Sliding: Sliders wear special booties over their shoes and slide back and forth in a skating motion on a slippery six-foot surface with cushioned ends. The workout conditions your legs, abdomen and buttocks.

Step and Aqua Aerobics: Step aerobics use a variety of objects to vary the aerobic routine, such as benches or power spring boards. Step classes provide a hard workout with low impact. For even lower impact, try a step class in the pool. Water aerobics use paddles, webbed gloves or aqua dumbbells to work against the water's resistance and build strength.

Mind-Body Exercises: Many gyms now offer tai chi, karate and yoga classes which combine low-impact, fluid movements with mental focus to achieve mind-body harmony and reduce stress.