“It’s freezing cold outside.”

“The streets are too icy.”

“It’s dark when I go to work AND when I get home.”

Sound familiar? These are all excuses most of us use for failing to exercise in the winter.

Many of us are still recovering from those extra calories we put away over the holidays. Plus, with all of the snow recently, it’s still too icy for outdoor activities such as bicycling, jogging or even walking.

Cold weather is a pretty good excuse to stay inside by the fire, snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate, and watch the boob tube, right?

Wrong!

While it’s tempting to turn into a couch potato during the winter, it’s also a good time to take a deep breath, get the entire family together and drive in your nice warm vehicle to the nearest gym.

Many public and private health clubs offer a wide variety of activities that are both fun and healthy for the entire family.

If you like bike riding, spinning classes on stationary bicycles can help you increase your overall health and quality of life.

At the YMCA of the Sierra at 850 Baring Blvd. in Sparks for example, Lisa Carrier is one of the spinning instructors that leads spinning classes on their brand new, canary yellow LeMond cycles.

“Each of the bikes has a heart-rate monitor and I play music to keep everyone energized,” Carrier said. “They seem to really enjoy it.”

The YMCA recently purchased all new exercise equipment for its spacious workout room, including high-tech treadmills, elliptical machines and free weights.

“You can bring your own headphones and watch cable TV while you exercise,” said Niel Bergquist, sales and marketing director at the YMCA.

Leslie Klinger of Sparks was at the YMCA and considering getting a family membership.

She said that the YMCA has a daycare center for her youngest children, and her older kids can participate in the popular basketball and soccer programs so that she can have time to exercise.

“The Y has a great environment where people feel comfortable,” Bergquist said. “Unlike other gyms, the Y is not-for-profit, so there’s no pressure to sign up.”

He said many other gyms have specialized clientele, such as bodybuilders, and singles often go to gyms to meet other singles.

“The motto at the Y is that we build strong, kids, strong families and strong communities,” he said.

Many of the people working out at the YMCA were new members who signed up because of all of the high-tech equipment.

David Dadey of Sparks was working out on the free weights. His muscular body was evidence that he frequents the gym and enjoys the health benefits of working out regularly.

“I just joined,” Dadey said. “I think it’s great. This is really nice.”

The YMCA also offers youth and senior fitness classes, yoga and Pilates wellness classes, total body conditioning classes, a group exercise studio and one-on-one fitness appointments with personal trainers.

The upgrades at the YMCA were funded by the E. L. Wiegand Foundation and include an all-new floor in the fitness center.

The YMCA also features a MobileFit Wellness Training system that prints out an exercise regimen, which can be coordinated with a personal trainer at no additional charge, Bergquist said. There also is free bottled water and a space-age looking machine that vends free coffee or hot drinks such as hot chocolate for only $1 for people who need a quick pick-me-up.

Memberships range from $25 a month for youths to $69 for a family per month and there is no contracts, no joining fees and guest privileges.

The Sparks Parks and Recreation Department also offers a multitude of programs and facilities for active people.

At aquatics program at the Alf Sorenson Community Center offers child and adult swim lessons for all ages throughout the year.

“Swimming is joint friendly,” said Kathleen Bloom, recreation supervisor. “Because of the buoyancy, you are not fighting gravity … and you don’t have pounding on your joints.”

John Bramer of Reno is enrolled in the senior aquacise class at Alf Sorensen.

“It really helps my knees and I have increased my range of motion for playing golf,” he said.

The temperature of the pool is nice and warm — 85 degrees on average — so that it isn’t such a shock when you jump in.

There’s also a tot pool and the Piranha Swim Team trains in the pool.

New treadmills and cardio equipment also have been added recently at the center, giving people an opportunity to work out.

Other programs offered at various locations by Sparks Parks and Recreation include Jazz-ercise classes, lap swimming, dance classes for all ages, belly dancing classes and many others.

Sparks residents get a discount on all classes and the general public is welcome to take any of the classes, Bloom said. Memberships are not required.

So, with all of these indoor activities to participate in, why not sign up for a class and get in shape so you can be in shape when spring finally arrives.

For more information on the YMCA of the Sierra, call 323-9622 or log on to the Web site at ymcasierra.org.

For more information on aquatics classes at the Alf Sorensen Community Center, call 353-2385 or log on to the Web site at www.sparksrec.com.

Paul G. White is a freelance writer living in Reno. Comments? Send them to freelancer720@charter.net