Back in the 1950s, Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby sang Gone Fishin', a duet about - you guessed it - their love for a leisurely day spent fishing. They aren't the only ones; millions of people all over the world participate in the activity in some form, whether it's a career or simply for sport or pleasure. It's actually estimated there more people fish than play football on a global scale, which isn't surprising since the risk of grievous bodily harm is much more minimal when you're sitting in a boat rather than being tackled or run down by an defensive line. An additional bonus of choosing fishing as a summer activity is that you don't necessarily have to travel far to do it, unlike say, playing in the ocean, which may not be feasible for those who live far away.

There are a few ways to make your fishing trip a little more environmentally-friendly, so you can have your salmon and eat it too (or not...)

Skip the motor
Canoeing may one alternative to firing up a motorized boat, but the same goes for fishing: if your favorite spot is in the middle of a lake, grab a paddle and start rowing. As it turns out, kayak fishing is growing in popularity, so if you enjoy both activities enough, buying a kayak will serve a dual purpose. Alternatively you can avoid the entire boat conundrum altogether by sitting on the dock of a lake or standing at the river's edge if you aren't particular about where you fish.

Keep it legal
We've discussed the harmful effects of overfishing in the past. Several fish species are dwindling and lakes are being emptied because of the widespread problem, so make sure you know the rules and possession limits of the spot you've chosen and follow them. The general rule of thumb is also 'don't catch more than you can eat.' If you or someone you know won't be eating the fish, limit yourself to two or follow the catch and release method. Speaking of which...

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Perhaps you're one of those individuals who doesn't find the idea of push-ups, lunges or crunches all that exciting, and therefore going to the gym sounds like a jail sentence. If you live in or near an area currently buried under three feet of snow and are looking for a great outdoor activity that will provide you with aerobic benefits as well as providing a high-intensity workout for major muscle groups, consider giving the age-old sport of snowshoeing a try.

No, it's not just something fur traders and trappers did centuries ago. You may be picturing the old-school wooden snowshoes of yore, however today's snowshoes are designed to be lighter with aluminum frames.

Interesting Facts 
☆ Snowshoeing burns 45 per cent more calories than walking or running

☆ In 2006, approximately 500 American schools - located mostly in the Northeast - introduced snowshoe programs as part of physical education curriculum in an effort to combat the problem of obesity in school children.

☆ Snow cushions the foot's impact making snowshoeing gentler on the feet than walking or running.

☆ The snow also buffers the earth against the impact of winter hikers or campers which leads to less erosion of trails.

☆ An adult weighing 155 pounds can burn approximately 563 calories per hour while snowshoeing.

☆ To provide a workout for your upper body including arms, shoulders and back muscles, consider using ski poles. And keep in mind, the risk of injury in snowshoeing shouldn't be any greater than the potential of hurting yourself while skiing. Just a warning, apparently it can leave your calves sore for days (which indicates that you've indeed exercised one of the aforementioned muscle groups).

Equipment needed
You'll want to dress in warm layers including thermal underwear and windproof and water-repellent pants and jackets so that you won't ever find yourself too hot or too cold. You'll also need typical winter gear including gloves, a hat and good waterproof winter boots. Poles are an optional accessory that can aid in walking.

You've probably already guessed that you will need snowshoes as well. Snowshoes fit around nearly any type of boot and come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made using lightweight aluminum and durable plastic. Many outfitters offer the option to rent snowshoes for those who want to give it a try before sinking money into their own pair. When deciding which type of snowshoes to rent or buy, you'll need to consider the type of environment you'll be using them in and the type of activity you will be using them for. Mountain Equipment Co-op has a guide that can assist you in choosing the right type of snowshoes.

» Winter Trails

Ask any avid skier, and they'll tell you nothing beats the rush of rushing down a powdery slope with a cool wind blowing in your face. It's also a great cardiovascular activity and allows you to take advantage of the great outdoors. And it must be great: the oldest skis ever discovered are thought to be approximately 5,000 years old. Originally it was used as a method of transportation, but has evolved into the leisure activity we are accustomed to today.

The common types of skiing
Cross-country - The earliest form of the activity would have been cross-country skiing, a part of what is now known as the Nordic skiing family. Cross-country style is similar to hiking, though and can be done on a prepared trail or in more remote areas, such as the woods. Cross-country is considered one of the most challenging endurance sports, as it requires movement that uses every major muscle group in the body.

Downhill (alpine) - One of the primary differences between downhill and cross-country skiing is the way the ski is attached to the foot. In cross-country, the toe of the boot is the only portion of the foot attached to the ski, so that skiers have the ability to climb, descend and traverse. In downhill skiing, the entire foot is attached to the ski and restricts the skier to only downhill terrain.

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Remember the thrill as a child of heading outdoors on a wintry day to take on your favorite activity? It's time to start thinking along those lines once again as you look for ways to get active this winter. If you think of going outdoors as a chore, you probably won't do it and reap the benefits of fresh air and natural light. Instead try to recapture some of the enthusiasm you had for outdoor activity when you were younger with one of these activities that will get you moving and hopefully having some fun in the process. If it helps, gather up the kiddies and take them along for the ride!

Ice skating
All you need to go ice skating is a pair of skates, which you can buy (used!) or rent, warm clothing and frozen water. Many communities have outdoor rinks during the colder months. Likewise, you can take advantage of a frozen pond or lake in your area, however also remember safety precautions. The area should be approved by community officials for use and safety signs and rules should always be followed. You should also use your own judgment even when a frozen body of water is approved for skating. If the weather has been warm or you observe any cracks in the ice, avoid it.

Tobogganing
All you need for this traditional winter activity (in places that have snow, that is) is a hill, warm clothing, and of course, a toboggan. You should also seriously consider protective gear such as a helmet. Unfortunately whizzing down a slippery hill with bumps or trees can lead to injury, so be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Despite the fact that half of tobogganing involves riding down a hill on a sled, it's actually a good source of cardiovascular activity because every single time you want to ride down, you have to carry that toboggan back up the hill. If you want an even better cardiovascular workout, walk to the hill and pull your kids behind you on their toboggan. If you need a tobaggon that can hold both adults and children, check out Re's Arrowhead Little Chief Toboggan.

Build a snowman 
On Tuesday, Leafy Green talked about whey building a snowman is so Eco-friendly and even included some of the fun Calvin (of Calving and Hobbes) had building his own snowmen. Not only is building one an Eco-friendly activity, it's also one you can do in your backyard, which means you don't even have to fire up the car to enjoy it.

Make snow cones
Alright, so this won't really get you active, but consider it a treat for all of the energy you used participating in one of the aforementioned activities. Forget about the freezer versions with their shaved ice when you have a whole yard full of fresh snow. Find some fresh, untouched snow, fill a cup or bowl and drizzle some fruit juice concentrate on top. Voilà! A treat you and the kids can enjoy with the main ingredient provided by Mother Nature herself.

» REI

Those who just can't wait until spring to hit their local pond, lake or stream, and who live in a climate temperatures cold enough to freeze these types of water, should give ice fishing a try at least once.

Similar to the regular type of fishing one does in warmer conditions, ice fishing involves using lines and hooks to catch fish. The main difference between the two is that ice fishing generally takes place on a frozen surface, as opposed to a boat or a dock, and therefore an opening to access the water below must be available.

Ice fishing is popular in colder countries such as Canada, Sweden, Finland and Norway, as well as in certain states within the U.s. including Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan, New England and New York.

Equipment
Ice fishing is one of those activities that requires some specific equipment specially designed for the sport.

Ice shanty - A small shelter that keeps the cold and wind at bay. They usually accommodate two individuals and are six feet by six feet in size

Ice auger or chisel - Both are used to cut a hole in the ice, however the chisel is generally used on thinner ice early in the season.

Skimmer - As new ice begins to form, this is used to remove it and also to remove slush created from cutting the hole.

Gaff hook - This large, heavy book is used to assist in pulling slippery fish through the hole in the ice.

Tackle Box - A good tackle box containing hooks, rods and lures, among other items, will help prepare you for almost any type of fish to come your way.

Heater or stove - It can get pretty cold out there on the ice and having a source of heat, especially for the hands, is recommended.

Compass - It may not seem that large from shore, but once in the middle of a big lake, it's easy to become disoriented and lose a sense of direction. This is even worse if a winter storm should hit, so a compass to help keep pointed in the right direction (figuratively and literally) is recommended.

Safety First
Ice should be four inches in thickness at the bare minimum before would-be fishermen venture onto it. If using a snowmobile as transportation, follow the trails that have already been created and always keep an eye out for water or pre-existing holes. A general rule-of-thumb followed by ice fishers is, ""Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky."

Be sure to familiarize yourself with any guidelines or regulations for the area you will be fishing, as well as check conditions ahead of time to ensure no warning advisories have been issued.

Keep it Green
If you don't plan to keep fish or if you accidentally catch a prohibited fish for the area you are fishing in, practice the "catch and release" method . This will prevent the fish population from depleting unnecessarily. Lakes require larger fish to help keep the population balanced, as these fish have typically managed to survive the early years when many die, so even if you catch a real prize, take you picture with it, then consider letting it return home.

» Wikipedia

There are plenty of activities, sports and chores we can use as an excuse to go outside but why not go outside with no goal at all, just go outside for the physical and mental health of it. Instead of telling yourself, ‘I have to walk to the mailbox’, or ‘I’ve got to take the dog for a walk’, tell yourself your going outside just for the fresh air, sunshine, wind in your hair or even just to see what’s happening in the neighborhood.

As soon as you’ve walked to the door and put on your shoes you’ve already started benefitting from the exercise. Your heart rate has probably risen considerably since you were sitting at your desk cruising the net. Once you open the door you’re starting to breath in some different air and now your lungs are benefitting. Even if air pollution is a consideration in your town let’s face it you can’t really escape it, your house is circulating the same air from outside. At least when you’re outside you’ll gain the benefits of a bit of wind.

You felt a quick chill as you stepped outside but after walking down the steps and onto the sidewalk, the legs are loosening up and feeling good, the blood is flowing through your muscles and your warmed up again.

How about the senses, your nose is already kicking into second gear as it picks up the smell of the burger joint down the street. Oh, and what’s that, smells like the neighbors are barbequing something yummy. This is much better than the same old stale smell of your apartment. Oh and now something is catching your eye in the window of a store you pass, you’ve been looking for that item for a while, that’s something you wouldn’t have noticed while whizzing past in your car.

You’re passing an open window and you hear someone’s stereo playing that song you haven’t heard for years, who sings that one again? Here comes your neighbor you haven’t seen around in a couple weeks, let’s see what he has to say.  Five minutes into your walk you’ve already got your brain working in ten different ways than it was at home. When you get back home or to work you’ll be refreshed and twice as productive.

The benefits of short frequent trips like this one are endless. To start with you’re probably going to sleep better from the fresh air and exercise. You’ve likely built up an appetite or maybe you’ve just burnt off a couple calories after a big dinner. Bring a friend to talk to and you’ve turned your solo adventure into a social event and a chance to catch up, plus your burning even more calories just from the conversation. Your brain has had a break from whatever you were doing and is recharged and ready to go again. The more you get out, the better you’re going to feel, and you’re going to be more alert and have more energy for all your other activities.

Hit the jump to see more health benefits from walking.

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