When chilly winter weather keeps you inside, you still have plenty of options for exercise. Take advantage of the season to strengthen your core muscles. You won't need a lot of fancy (or expensive) gear or equipment.

There are many types of exercises you can do that strengthen your muscles by pitting you against gravity. For instance, Pilates-based exercises require you to use your own weight for resistance and can easily be done at home or wherever you travel. Plus, working out your core throughout the winter will help you maintain your strength and flexibility, so when you return to outdoor activities in the spring, you'll avoid injury. As always, be sure to check with a health care professional before beginning, or making significant changes to, an exercise program.

Try the six exercises below as a workout. Repeat this routine a couple of times each week. You can mix in cardiovascular workouts (walking on a treadmill or inside a mall) on alternate days.

Abdominal Exercises

Leg Raises

1. Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up.
2. Rest your arms by your sides or underneath your buttocks.
3. Keeping your lower back on the floor, lower your legs slowly to a 45-degree angle. Return your legs to the starting position for a count of five seconds.

Start with one set of 8 to 10 repetitions. Gradually work up to two to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions each.

Torso Twist

1. Lie on your back with your feet off the floor and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
2. Place your hands behind your head, with your elbows on the floor.
3. Bring your right elbow toward your left knee, and extend your right leg at the same time. You should be bending from the waist with your left elbow on the ground.
4. Hold for one second, and then return to the starting position. Complete the set on one side before you start the other side.

Start with one set of 8 to 10 repetitions. Gradually work up to two to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions each.

Exercises for Back Muscles

Flat Back Extension

1. Lie face down on the floor with your hands at your sides, next to your hips.
2. Without using your arms, slowly raise your shoulders and chest off the floor about four to six inches.
3. Hold for one second, keeping your lower body relaxed and your head in line with your upper body.

Start with one set of 8 to 10 repetitions. Gradually work up to two to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions.

Kneeling Back Extensions (Camel-Cat)

1. Start on your hands and knees with your weight squarely over your wrists and knees.
2. Round your back, tucking your chin to your chest and your hips under.
3. Scoop your belly, and press up like a camel. Hold for 5 seconds.
4. Exhale and reverse the movement, arching your back and sinking into your shoulders like a cat. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Exercises for the Waist/Love Handles

Side Bend Without Weights

1. Stand straight, with your feet shoulder width apart, holding your chin parallel to the floor. Interlock your fingers behind your head, with your elbows pointing out.
2. Turn your head to the right, looking over your right shoulder. Slowly bend your waist to the right, keeping your arms in place.
3. Repeat, turning and bending to the left side.

Start with one set of 8 to 10 repetitions per side. Gradually work up to two to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions per side.

Side Bend With Weights

1. Stand with legs shoulder width apart, hands extended to each side, each holding a dumbbell (2 to 3 pounds).
2. Bend slowly to the right side, and hold for 3 to 5 seconds.
3. Repeat on the left side.

Start with one set of 8 to 10 repetitions per side. Gradually work up to two to three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions per side and use 3-pound or 5-pound dumbbells.

Remember to consult with your health care provider before starting or making significant changes to an exercise program.