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GET FIT IN THE BIG CHILL

ABOVE: Skating can burn up to 600 calories an hour and is brilliant for the lungs and heart

13th January 2010

By James Moore

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FREEZE off the fat with some chills and thrills.

We may be suffering from the coldest winter spell for 40 years but we can still get fit for 2010 with some wonderful wintry workouts.

And with Dancing On Ice back on our TV screens to inspire you, it's time to get fit in the cold.

Top GP Julian Spinks says: "The body burns more calories when it's cold to keep itself warmer. And there's some evidence that cool air allows you to exercise harder. Although you should be careful if you have heart problems."

As forecasters predict the big freeze will last into February, James Moore explains how to turn the cold to your advantage...

SKATING

Wintry workout: Head to the local rink to get a really good workout - like 250,000 other Brits who take to the ice every year.

Celeb fans: Stars like Emily Atack, 21, and Danniella Westbrook, 36, in ITV's Dancing On Ice.

Calories burned: Up to 600 an hour. That's the same as a portion of chips with a fishcake.

Cool body benefits: It has the same sort of results as doing a low-impact aerobics class and is tops to tone legs, core and back muscles as well as being brilliant for your lungs and heart.

SLEDGING

Wintry workout: Taking to the snowy slopes for some old-style tobogganing.

Celeb fans: Loved-up Katy Perry, 25, and Russell Brand, 34, as well as Lily Allen, 24.

Calories burned: Dragging that sledge can burn 250 calories an hour – equivalent to a pint of lager.

Cool body benefits: Sledging itself is good for core stability, while dragging the sledge is great for the hamstring muscles in your legs as well as the glutes for a pert bum.

SNOWBALLS

Wintry workout: Have a ball while you burn off the festive fl ab with a fun snowball fi ght.

Celeb fans: Even Celeb Big Brother stars Basshunter and Ekaterina Ivanova enjoyed a snowball fi ght. Hunky Wolverine star Hugh Jackman, 41, has also been snapped having a laugh with some snowballing.

Calories burned: 500 an hour – equivalent to a burger.

Cool body benefits: A great cardio exercise that’s good for flexibility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

SNOWMEN

Wintry workout: Get in touch with your inner kid to build a traditional snowman.

Celeb fans: Gorgeous Girls Aloud star Kimberly Walsh, 28, built a snowman while on her Christmas hols.

Calories burned: 285 calories an hour – enough to burn off the calories in a 50g chargrilled steak packet of Walkers crisps.

Cool body benefits: All that rolling snow together and bending over will help build your core muscles, leg muscles, abs and arms.

DIGGING

Wintry workout: Spade up to shape up by getting the ice, snow or leaves off that driveway or path outside your home.

Celeb fans: Even multi-millionaire rock star and charity hero Bono, 49, was recently snapped shovelling snow.

Calories burned: Shovelling burns 380 calories an hour, the same as in a Yorkie bar. Scraping ice off your car in the morning will burn another 100 in just 15 minutes –the same as two biscuits.

Cool body benefits: A great upper body workout – especially for your shoulders, arms and back

WALKING

Wintry workout: Get booted up for a wintry walk.

Celeb fan: Jonathan Ross, 49, enjoyed a troll after announcing he was quitting the BBC.

Calories burned: 280 an hour - but you could burn 100 more in the snow as it takes more effort.

Cool body benefits: Walking is a great cardio exercise. Nine hours will burn off a pound of fat.

SNOWBOARD

Wintry workout: Take to the slopes or visit an indoor slope.

Celeb fans: Justin Timberlake, 28.

Calories burned: About 500 per hour, the same as five cans of Red Bull.

Cool body benefits: A whole body workout that's especially good for the lower back as well as your core.

SKIING

Wintry workout: Get yourself to a local dry ski slope.

Celeb fans: Kate Moss, 35, and Mischa Barton, 23.

Calories burned: Up to 500 an hour. Equivalent to an egg mayo sandwich.

Cool body benefits: Great for your balance and co-ordination.