As temperatures tumble and daylight dwindles, you might be tempted to grab the remote and hunker down on the couch 'til spring. Trouble is, a few months of indoor inactivity will translate into less energy, mushier muscles and a wider waistline.

Staying in shape when it's cold outside may take a little more effort and a dash more creativity than other times of the year, but it's worth it. Stick with your winter workouts and -- trust us -- you'll be a lot happier when the sweaters come off and the bathing suits go on. Below we give you six great strategies to keep yourself moving while the bears and squirrels are snoozing.

Window-shop for fitness. Like to walk, but hate the cold? Hate the treadmill even more? Hundreds of shopping centers across the country cater to walking groups who do brisk indoor strolls before doors officially open for business. You burn four to eight calories per minute whether you walk indoors or out. Of course there's an added bonus -- you get a head start on pursuing the merchandise. Check with your local mall management for details on their walking clubs and services.

Go from spud to stud. Instead of vegging out while watching Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, walk on your treadmill, do some step aerobics, jump rope or jog in place. Any movement, even if it's simply doing push-ups during the commercials, is worth something. You can also turn your TV into an exercise machine by popping in a workout video instead of cartoons. (No you can't just watch the video. You actually have to do it.)