Southampton - Staying active and fit in the winter months can definitely be a challenge, especially if treadmills and spin classes aren't your thing. Although the snowiest January on record provides its own challenges to East End athletes, it also provides opportunities. Snowshoeing is a great way to stay active in the winter months and the glorious trails and vistas around the East End are now ready and waiting. Three feet of snow has a way of pushing the mountain bike to the back of the garage, but snowshoes provide the perfect counter punch. Fun, athletic, cheap and easy to start, snowshoeing can fit nicely into a year round fun and healthy lifestyle.

Snowshoeing can fit nicely into a year round fun and healthy lifestyle. (its.caltech.edu)

Snowshoeing has exploded in recent years with advancements in technology allowing for lighter gear with better grip and more comfort at lower prices. Combine all of this with the natural beauty of the East End and suddenly the rest of winter isn't looking so bad. Also, snowshoeing makes possible a closer dynamic between friends than the speed of biking or the separation of skiing allow for.

The first thing to do is find the right snowshoe for you. The snowshoe starts out with a frame and deck, which give the basic shape and dimension. In areas of the country with piles of soft powder, a bigger deck is helpful in staying on top of the snow. Also, heavier people need a bigger deck to disperse body weight. The back of the frame tapers so less snow is lifted while hiking and some have a raised shape in the back to make walking backward easier.

On the deck are bindings that strap your hiking boots or shoes to the snowshoe. These vary from simple straps to broader sock-like sleeves. Bindings should provide stability and keep your foot secure over the center of the snowshoe so most of your power is transferred properly. This helps you stay balanced and helps conserve energy.

Underneath, on the business side of the snowshoe are the crampons or teeth that give you traction. East End snow tends to be moist and packs pretty tight so good crampons are a must. Whether you plan on going up and down trails versus trekking across golf courses and open fields is an important consideration in how much gripping you will need.

Once you have your snowshoes picked out you'll want to add some gear to make your trek more enjoyable. Poles are a must have. It's a lot easier to loose your balance with a foot of snow on the ground and poles also help to get the upper body involved and provide a more complete workout. Gaiters are also a must have. These are waterproof sleeves for your lower legs that keep snow out of your boots and keep you dryer and warmer. Other than this all the usual hats, gloves, balaclavas and gear help to keep you warm and cozy. Definitely dress in layers because you may shed a few once you get going. Snowshoeing is good exercise and sweat is more likely than shivers. On average you can expect to burn double the calories that you will on your summer stroll.

No doubt about it, winters in the Hamptons can be rough and it appears there are two choices; moan and complain until Memorial Day while dreaming of Caribbean vacations and waiting for global warming to kick in or take on the winter months with gusto, staying active, getting great workouts and enjoying all of the natural beauty.