Outdoor fitness options for hardy Minnesotans

When it comes to cold-weather fitness, there are, roughly, two types of Minnesotans: those who relish four-plus months of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and those who cling to their gym memberships.

After the brutality of last winter, perhaps more Minnesotans will want to reap the benefits of sunshine and fresh air during the long season ahead. Studies show outdoor exercise is one of the best ways to treat seasonal affective disorder, aka the "winter blues."

Beginner-friendly options include the GreenFit Club at French Regional Park and Hyland Lake Park Reserve. A better name would be the White Fit Club come December, when participants suddenly find themselves snowshoeing and skiing through powder-covered parks. All necessary equipment is provided. Workouts are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. More information: www.threeriversparks.org.

Another option is No Quit Fit, a new business offering al fresco group fitness classes on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings in Roseville city parks. Trainers went for an interval-style workout last weekend. Sure, there were jogging and jumping jacks involved, but Mother Nature also provided some resistance training. Workout stations included lunges along a bumpy wooded trail (while hoisting boulders overhead, no less) and bear-crawling while pushing medicine balls through the slushy snow. More information: www.noquitfit.com.

Christy DeSmith