New Year’s fitness resolutions sound good until one faces the daunting challenge of staying active during the dead of a Wisconsin winter. But plenty of cost-effective, calorie-burning options exist – both indoors and out – with the Eau Claire Parks and Recreation Department.

Here are some of the options available this season:

Drop-in programs:
•Participants can attend only those classes that fit into their schedule.
•Participants only pay for the classes or days they attend.

oLunch Break Skate, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday-Friday, Hobbs Ice Center. $2 ($2 skate rental). 572 calories/hour

oOpen Skating or Fitness Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sundays, Hobbs Ice Center. $4-$5 ($2 skate rental). 572 calories/hour

oAdult Open Broomball or Adult Open Hockey, 8:45-10:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Hobbs Ice Center. $4-$5 ($2 skate rental). 600-650 calories/hour

oOpen Swimming, 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Northstar Middle School. $3. 633 calories/hour

Fitness classes:
•Courses are taught or supervised by trained or certified professionals.
•Classes are designed to teach participants proper technique and foster an appreciation for a lifelong application of skills.
•Participants are committed and accountable to a program that meets for a pre-determined length of time.
•Discounted rates for city residents.

Upcoming classes:
oWater fitness (deep water and traditional), classes meet twice a week for 5 weeks, starting Jan. 7. 327 calories/class

oYouth basketball camp (K-2, with parent) classes meet weekly for 3 weeks, starting Jan. 7. 357 calories/class

oCreative Movement (ages 3-4, with parent), classes meet weekly for 6 weeks, starting Jan. 7. 157 calories/class

oYouth swim instruction, classes meet weeks for 9 weeks, starting Jan. 26. 327 calories/class

oHoop Dreams (K-1), classes meet weekly for 4 weeks, starting Feb. 4. 357 calories/class

oBallroom dancing, classes meet weekly for 5 weeks, starting Feb. 5. 449 calories/class

City parks and trails:
•The City of Eau Claire maintains 13 miles of trails and 350 acres of parkland that are open and free for public recreation.
•Many outdoor skating rinks provided staffed warming houses.
•Eau Claire area residents have several outdoor recreation opportunities through the City of Eau Claire’s Parks and Recreation Department:

•Open Skating: starting Jan. 2, 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Pinehurst, Putnam Heights and Roosevelt Parks; same hours at Boyd Park, except open until 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Free hot cocoa provided on Sundays. 572 calories/hour

•Open Hockey: starting Jan. 2, 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 1-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Roosevelt Park. 650 calories/hour

•Winter After Hours: starting Jan. 3, 6-8 p.m. Thursdays (through Feb. 28), Boyd Park. Ice skating, snowshoeing, winter kubb, fire pit, music and warm drinks.

•Sledding: starting Jan. 13, 1-4 p.m., Sundays (through Feb. 10), Pinehurst Park. Sliding hill with fire pit, music and free hot chocolate. 490 calories/ hour

•Cross-country skiing: Groommed ski trails in Carson and Fairfax Parks, as well as the City Wells, or 6 miles of skiing. 572-654 calories/hour

Kick off the New Year with fitness for the family.
•Rock’n New Year’s Family Skate
o4-6 p.m.
oMonday, Dec. 31
oHobbs Ice Center, 915 Menomonie St.
o$1 admission; $2 skate rental
•Parks and Recreation programs add to the vibrancy of the Eau Claire community. Live life better!

To learn more about Parks and Recreation programs or to register for a class, contact the Eau Claire Parks and Recreation Department at 715-839-5032, or visit www.eauclairewi.gov.