Sports
BY ALEXANDRA CALAMARI
WINTER WORKOUTLAND
When life hands you snow, make snow cones!
As the winter chill approaches, it can be easy to forgo exercise in favor of vegging out in front of the TV. Just remember, New Year’s resolutions don’t resolve themselves. Even if you aren’t into downhill skiing, there are plenty of outdoor activities that will help you drop pounds as the temperature goes down. Shoveling the driveway, making a snowman or having a snowball fight are all fun ways to exercise without even leaving the backyard. For those a bit more ambitious, check out some of these workout-worthy destinations.
GO SLEDDING! Who says sledding is just for kids? Enjoy the fun ride down—your quads and glutes will be burning on your hike back up.
MILWAUKEE
Though Milwaukee offers heaps of winter activities, its sledding hills stand out with lighted trails at night and a public toboggan chute.
CHICAGO
Feel the breeze from the Windy City as you race down one of its designated sledding hills, all conveniently located within city limits.
GO CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING! A total body workout, cross-country or “Nordic” skiing is the perfect way to traverse challenging terrain while capturing some panoramic views.
PORTLAND, MAINE
Rent a pair of skis in town to explore the spectacular views along the harbor or head to nearby Smiling Hill Farm for more than 20 miles of groomed trails.
DETROIT
Several of Michigan’s Metroparks are easily accessible from Detroit. Spend a day traversing mile after mile of groomed cross-country trails.
GO SLEDDING! Who says sledding is just for kids? Enjoy the fun ride down—your quads and glutes will be burning on your hike back up.
MINNEAPOLIS
This ice hockey-crazed city is the ideal place to learn to skate, with 29 outdoor rinks all offering picturesque surroundings.
www.minneapolisparks.orgWASHINGTON, DC
See our nation’s capital from ice skates. The National Gallery of Art’s beautiful sculpture garden becomes a rink in winter.
www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm
GO SNOWSHOEING! Not only is snowshoeing a massive calorie burner, but it’s also the perfect way to explore peaceful wooded areas that have uneven terrain in warmer months.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
Famous for its sub-zero temperatures and flaming hot chicken wings, Buffalo is also a place for a long snowshoe trek around the tranquil nature preserve.
DENVER
The gateway to some of the best skiing in the US, Denver is also near some of the most challenging and charming snowshoeing trails.
SPORTING EVENT CALENDAR
December 2007
NY RANGERS VS. ATLANTA THRASHERS Philips Arena, Atlanta
After marring the Thrashers’ first post-season stint by sweeping them out of the playoffs last year, the Rangers try to flex their dominance once more. But with new uniforms and new players, the Thrashers won’t go down without a fight.
DECEMBER 8
MAYWEATHER VS. HATTON MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have been knocked out in round three of “Dancing with the Stars,” but that’s not likely to be the case in this showdown against Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton.
The winner will retain Mayweather’s Ring/WBC welterweight title and the loser will taste defeat for the very first time.
DECEMBER 25
PHOENIX SUNS VS. LA LAKERS Staples Center, LA
This Christmas, take your holiday cheer to the basketball court as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers take on Steve Nash and the Suns.
DECEMBER 30
PITTSBURGH STEELERS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Watch the Ravens throw down during their last home game of the regular season against the 2006 Superbowl champions, the Steelers.