Without sunshine and warmth, maintaining healthy fitness and nutrition habits can prove to be difficult.

Students, however, can participate in activities outdoors, within the convenience of their homes or ones provided by workout facilities even during the winter months.

Donna Barnes, owner of the DeKalb Curves for Women, 834 W. Lincoln Highway, said some outdoor activities people can do are low impact aerobic exercise like walking or riding a bike.

Sue Munz, Kish YMCA program executive, 2500 W. Bethany Road, said hiking and cross-country skiing are also great outdoor activities.

When it comes to activities to do at home, there are also options available.

“Students can buy workout videos and home equipment,” Munz said. “They can also do pilates, ball exercises and use workout bands for a quality workout.”

Barnes agreed that there are a number of workout opportunities that one can do around the house.

If home exercise tapes are lacking use, organized workouts provided by community facilities can help motivate exercising. Many local fitness facilities offer different classes, programs and resources to its members.

“We offer strength training workouts to help clients raise metabolism and maintain bone density,” Barnes said. “And we use hydraulic resistance rather than weight stacks, which are safer and reduces soreness.”

Physical well-being is not the only aspect of health that is important to maintain, mental health is also important.

Kathy Lueken, emergency crisis assessment and service person for the Ben Gordon Center, 12 Health Services Drive, said drinking lots of water and exercising is important.

“People also need a lot of sunshine because it helps ignite your endorphins and alert you,” Lueken said. “If people find themselves depressed, they need to reach out to their support network and not isolate themselves.”

If anyone from the DeKalb community needs help, Lueken said the Ben Gordon Center has outpatient counseling and therapy for substance abuse and mental health.

Staying healthy and fit during the winter months is really important, Munz said.

“People need to eat healthy by cutting out some fat, sugar and carbohydrates,” Munz said. “They need to get a lot of sleep, drink a lot of water and stop, or cut down, smoking and drinking.”