It's that time of year where it's dark early (5:30 pm early) and colder outside.

It's the time of year where all you want to do is come home from work, relax, eat some comfort food, curl up next to a fire or under a blanket and ease into your night.

Certainly working out doesn't sound very appealing when it's cold and dark outside.

How can anyone stay motivated to exercise in such conditions?

True, it's a bit more difficult to keep motivated in the wintertime, but it's definitely not impossible.

One key tip is to create a playlist.

Creating a playlist of upbeat workout tunes is a great way to keep motivated. Music lovers can find inspiration by loading their favorite songs to their ipods and listening while they exercise.

If you are the type that really gets carried away by music (like me), then try out a Zumba class. In Zumba classes, we shake away any feeling of being blue and get a great cardio workout, too!

Another way to boost your workout motivation in the wintertime, is to switch up your workout routine. Changing your routine will invigorate you and help keep you motivated to stay on track with your fitness regimen this winter season.

If you usually exercise outdoors, then try an indoor class, to get some relief from constantly being in the cool temperatures and dark environment.

It helps to have a workout buddy year 'round, but it's especially helpful during the wintertime.

Getting off the couch and out of your warm house is much easier when you know you will be meeting someone to workout. That's one of the reasons that outdoor fitness classes are so appealing.

Our trainers know that working out in a group environment is a tremendously helpful tool for keeping you on track with your fitness goals.

While it may be tempting to give into comfort foods all winter long, make sure you don't overdo it. Continue to eat healthful meals that include lots of fruits and vegetables.

Those heavy carbs may look appealing right now, but you'll regret it in a couple of weeks when the weather changes and it gets closer to bathing suit season again.

It's not as hard as you may think to keep motivated to exercise during the wintertime. When all else fails you can always do a home workout. You can find online workout routines you can use at home by visiting the Bootique Fitness blog, or dust off that old Tae bo video and get to it!

It's really important to find your way to transition into the winter season. Doing so will ensure you won't regret all the time spent indoors when the summer bikini season comes back around.

So get motivated with a buddy. Visit the Bootique Fitness website today, or call (619) 602-8087 to schedule a free workout on Friendly Fridays! Each Friday we are inviting you and your friends to come workout with us! Plus, when you decide to join, you can take $50 off any boot camp membership.

Try Super Boot Camp

This Saturday is SUPER BOOT CAMP in Mission Bay at 9:00 am. You're invited to come out and see the trainers in the trenches doing all the hard work too.

Bring your energy, because there are lots of prizes to be given away. Simply register for the "Friendly Friday" promotion - but this week, you can train with us on Friday & Saturday - if you dare ...

Jaylin Allen is a local fitness expert in San Diego, known for getting her clients in shape in record time through her popular "Boot Camps For Women" and "Zumba" classes. For more information about Jaylin, fitness, or her classes, be sure to check out Bootique Fitness or call (619) 602-8087.