Article courtesy of Payne Financial Group's Live Well, Work Well newsletter, December 2011 issue.

This time of year is full of excuses not to work out: it's too cold outside, you can't afford a gym membership, there's no time ... Sound familiar? Try out these at-home workout tips to kick-start your motivation and avoid a workout slump.

• - One of the easiest ways to work out at home is with a fitness DVD. Pick from cardio, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and countless other options for a guided, cheap home workout.
• - Make use of your stairs. Turn on some tunes and create a lively stepping workout using just one step, or walk or jog up and down for a more vigorous routine.
• - Invest in some inexpensive equipment such as a jump rope, hand weights and an exercise ball.
• - Do some chores. Clean the house yourself rather than having a maid service (or your children) do it. Shovel snow instead of using a snow blower or snow plow.
• - Create a schedule, such as first-thing every morning - and stick to it. Work out with a buddy for more accountability.
• - Take advantage of the weather! Go skiing, ice skating or just play in the snow with friends or family.