Shoveling snow. You have to do it.
Then when it all disappears, you think, all that work, melted eventually!!!
Then when it reappears, you think, more, again, really!?!?
So, get the most out of it folks.
If you are one of my blog readers where snow is applicable, take these tips and skip the gym. You're workin' out and getting fit and strong.
And when it's all done, warmth, soup and a cookie can be your reward.

The average person can burn 250-300 calories an hour shoveling snow.

First of all, before you hit the snow, its probably freekin’ cold.
If my muscles were sore after an hour of shoveling and I work out every day, do yourself a favor and stretch your muscles before you go out there.

Before throwing on the layers, stand up straight and take your arms up and over your head. Interlace the fingers and stretch the sides of the waist by reaching to the right and left laterally. Keep your hips square or facing forward.

Take the arms back behind you, interlace the fingers and stretch the front body.

Take a forward fold to stretch the hamstrings. If it's difficult for you to touch your toes, just take the hands on a table and walk your feet back to stretch the shoulders and low back.

Finally, give yourself a hug, the tightest squeeze you can to stretch the back body and especially the lats – they will really be worked in addition to your core when digging, lifting and tossing snow.

When you are out there, make sure to distribute your weight evenly on both feet, bend the knees when leaning in or down, keep the belly firm into the spine to keep the low back secure when the lift, toss happens.

Keep the shoulders as relaxed as possible and back, not rounded forward to keep the shoulders secure.

Bend the elbows when lifting the snow from the ground. This'll work the biceps. If you keep the arms straight, you'll overwork the joints and that just ain't right.

Breathe deeply. The cold air is good for you.

Do the same stretches when you are done and add one for the wrists.

That’s the part everyone forgets about.

Take your hands up against a wall or table edge with the inner wrists facing upwards.

See how close you can get the whole palm against the surface to stretch.

Add a thigh stretch. Sitting on the floor, tuck your feet under your bum and sit like that for a few moments to stretch the tops of the thighs.

Drink lots of water. Just cause its cold out, doesn’t meet you can lose fluids.

You will work just about every body part shoveling snow.

It's a workout with a purpose.

Allow yourself to be take in the beauty of the snow's coverage on all that's around you. It's a nuisance yes, but the initial quiet, peace and beauty of the snow, the way it hugs your surroundings, can be a staggering sight.

Enjoy the season!