It's too cold to jog or ride a bike.

Exercise is boring.

I can't stick to a routine.

Sound familiar?

Well, who says exercise has to be so regimented and un-fun? County residents have plenty of interesting ways to work up a sweat, especially during the holiday season. No excuses!

Go ahead. Indulge in decadent treats at holiday parties, knowing you can burn the calories in one of the many turkey trots and jingle bell runs coming up this season in the metro area. Start your Thanksgiving morning with a brisk run around Greenbelt Lake in the Gobble Wobble 5K or the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 4 at Centennial Park in nearby Ellicot City.

In the weeks leading up to the big meal, carve out some time to shoot hoops at Good Luck Community Center in Lanham, get in some target practice at the Trap & Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, or glide over to the Herbert Wells ice rink in College Park for a game of hockey or ice skating.

With so many fitness offerings in the area, why not make an early New Year's resolution to partake in at least a few heart-healthy, wallet-friendly events, like bowling, roller skating, indoor tennis or even Zumba dancing – all available through local and regional recreation facilities.

If you're feeling extra motivated, consider buying a $75 one-year pass to exercise during lunch at Greenbelt Youth Center.

Remember, exercise isn't just for adults; get the kids moving, too. Local Boys & Girls Clubs are offering winter cheerleading sessions, youth basketball and many other fun ways to stay fit.

Waiting for Santa to deliver your Wii-style XBox Kinect? Kids ages 10-17 can get a good warm up with the blood pumping Kinect video game Nov. 19 at Glenn Dale Community Center, free of charge. Eager to hit the slopes? If you can hold out until the tail end of winter, sign up for the Mar. 4 teen snow tubing trip to Pennsylvania's Liberty Mountain ski resort, organized by the Greenbelt Youth Center.

Make it a family affair. Register for holiday bowling at Laurel Lanes Dec. 11, sponsored by the Good Luck Community Center in Lanham. Let the kids burn some energy before bedtime roller skating around the gym at Good Luck Dec. 18. If that's not enough to cure cabin fever, head out to Family Fitness Night  Jan. 31 at the Greenbelt Youth Center.

Don't forget about Fido, he needs some aerobic activity, too. With Starbucks in one hand and the leash in the other, take the dog out for a brisk morning stroll along one of the many scenic trails in Prince George's County. Hit the Anacostia Tributary Trail that winds around Lake Artemesia in Greenbelt, through College Park and points beyond. Or hop on the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis (WB&A) Trail that runs through Glenn Dale and Bowie, across the Patuxent River into Anne Arundel County. Bike it, if you can brave the chilly air.

For a less strenous outing, meet up with other pooch lovers at Heurich Dog Park in Hyattsville, Greenbelt Dog Park or the College Park Dog Park next to the Acredale Community Park (membership required).

So step it up, or suck it in.