I have developed a training regimen that is working well for me and wanted to share it in case any of the elements work for others. I'm focusing mostly on working out in a gym because, by using the same machines and having my ipod electronically send my workouts to Nike+ it's easy to see my progress.
I do a cardio and weight training regimen two or three times during the work week with another workout sometime on the weekend. On the days that I'm going to work out, I eat a late breakfast and a mid afternoon snack instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner. That way, by 5 pm when I get off work I am neither too hungry nor too full to work out. I drive home, change into my workout clothes and walk to the gym, even though it is pitch dark by 5 pm. If my favorite cardio machine is available I jump on it first and have a nice workout. My goals are to break a sweat and get my heart rate up to 150 or so. I don't have any hard and fast calorie or time goals, but generally I try to lengthen my workout over time and vary it so I won't get bored.
I also do what's called the "weight circuit". This involves going to each of the machines for weight and spot training and spending a little time on each. This works out all the various muscle groups without straining anything and minimizes boredom. After that, I finish up with my favorites...the inclined bench and the Roman Chair. Both are designed to rebalance the spine, work out the core, and unkink the back. By the time I finish all these things it is about 7 pm. I stroll back up the hill to my home, enjoy a light dinner and a glass of wine. It feels great and I sleep very well after these workouts. Hopefully, I'll be ready for ice climbing once the season gets going in January!!
What's your winter workout regimen?