Mr Turkey, meet Mr Exercise

I don't know about you, but I think I ate my weight in turkey dinner, and dessert. Honestly, what is better than the holidays for good food and drink? We all know we'll probably put on a few pounds in the next month, but what can you do about it now that winter has started? It's not easy to brave the cold and step outside.

I just started running a few months ago, just as the heat of summer ended, and now I'm hooked. I want to keep running into spring so I can keep in shape and be ready to run some 5k's, but some days it's just too cold. Luckily, the DMU Wellness center has great hours, and is open most days except certain holidays. They have amazing facilities, many weight and aerobic machines, and it is free to students and their significant others! Check the DMU Portal for the Plus One membership and Wellness center hours.

Are you into racquet sports? You might checkout Oakmoor Fitness for racquetball or Seven Flags for tennis. Both offer membership plans for those activities. I've played tennis at Seven Flags and their courts are excellent.

Do you feel the need to compete in the winter, but can‟t find an event? Try the 801 Grand Power Climb. Racers will climb all 41 flights of stairs to raise money and awareness for the American Lung Association. DMU students often provide OMM services.

If you‟re not much of a gym person, there are other options. Downtown Des Moines has a great Skywalk system that connects most major buildings. You can walk from Court Ave Brewing company (great food) to Hyvee Hall without going outside! How about just pure fun that will raise your heart rate? Try Incredible Pizza in Urbandale or All Play in Des Moines. Both offer different options like bumper cars, go carts, laser tag, video games, and mini golf.

Don‟t even bother trying to avoid the temptation of one more holiday cookie. Go ahead and eat it, and plan your January exercise routine. There are many options