DECATUR - In winter, the temptation for youngsters to let their physical activity lapse can be strong. After all, it's warm and cozy inside, and that's where the video games are. And many parents have a veritable all-you-can-drink policy regarding hot cocoa.

But remembering to get exercise is important year-round, said local fitness experts. They offered their advice on how to keep the whole family moving when the snow starts flying.

Taking a class or signing up for an organized activity at a health club can keep kids motivated, said Jeff Rounds, fitness center supervisor at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center.

The center offers a daily winter break day camp for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. It features rock climbing, sports and more.

An evening Cardio Kids class for 8- through 14-year-olds targeting muscle tone, flexibility and cardiovascular health will start up in January.

The Decatur Family YMCA offers its Youth Gym open hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Y also offers karate for people 8 and older and will be reinstituting its Y-Kid Fit classes for youngsters 6 through 13 in January.

Call your local gym or fitness center of choice to find out about offerings for kids. But experts also advised, get outside.

"Playing in the snow is great exercise," wrote YMCA health and wellness director Denise Leonard. "As is sledding."

Bundle up and get outside, Rounds advised, or take a family walk.

"One of the best exercises you can do is cross-country skiing," he said.

When there is enough snow on the ground, the Macon County Conservation District offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals for $12 at Rock Springs Nature Center.

"A lot of people don't want to invest in skis to use in Central Illinois," said program services manager Jeff Tish.

People can rent the equipment from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

One traditional site for outdoor activities is not available. With Griswold Conservation Area near Blue Mound under construction, there will be no sledding there this season, said operations manager Paul Marien.

But with a little creativity and a lot of clothing layers, area residents can make their own active outdoor fun this winter.

agetsinger@herald-review.com|421-6968