The shift from the frenzy of the last two holiday weekends into the first week of 2018 kickstarts for many people a natural desire to change up old patterns and start fresh. And for many people the first thing on that list is to shed some of that weight from the holidays.

We all know the pudge ain’t gonna budge until some movement happens, so here are five of the biggest calorie burners the Midcoast area has to offer.

Ice Skating

(Calories burned 400-600)

If you have your own skates, the best places to skate outside include Chickawaukie Pond in Rockport/Rockland and Megunticook Lake and Hosmer Pond in Camden. Don’t have skates? Maine Sport Outfitters does for a reasonable rental. Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport offers Friday night pick up hockey for adults ($10), a variety of  figure skating classes and good old-fashioned public recreational skating Monday through Friday 1-3 p.m. and weekends (1-2 p.m). It’s so affordable ($5 for skating and $4 for skate rentals.) And, to get you in the mood, MRC is holding an Aloha Session of skating and live music with local artists on January 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. FMI: Midcoast Recreation Center

Snowboarding

(Calories burned 230 to 650)

Snowboarding is not just for the cool kids. Without breaking the bank you can try a day of snowboarding without the intimidation of a big mountain at the Camden Snow Bowl. With three lifts (including a new triple chair) With a full day adult pass of $33, you get a board, boots, poles and a helmet.  Never snowboarded before? They do a Group Lesson twice daily ($30) as well as a Beginner’s Special, which gives you a 1.5 hour lesson, rental and lift ticket for $60. Make sure you have some kind of wrist guards and don’t try to do the snowboard cross, which is basically an all-out race downhill. You’re looking to burn some calories not break a hip. FMI: Camden Snow Bowl

Sledding

(Calories burned: 413 to 651)

Everyone has his or her own favorite  hill in the Midcoast to take the plastic sled down, but if you want to get serious, pull out Gramp’s old runner sled from the barn and meet up with , the New England Runner Sled Association meets at Hogback Mountain in Montville for some serious old-fashioned sledding.Meet at Hogback Mountain Farm or the Frye Mountain gate.

Swimming

(Calories burned per hour 413-651)

Swimming in January or February when the wind and snow is whipping outside feels like you’re cheating winter, and that’s only one of the benefits. It’s one of the most high-energy, low-impact exercises you can do (especially people recovering from injuries or who have arthritis) and it keeps your heart rate up and muscles toned without too much impact stress on your joints. The Country Inn has a health club welcome to the public as well as a heated, 20′ by 40′ pool with a lap lane, a hot tub and dry sauna with memberships for three months ($200), six months ($255) and one year ($330). Likewise, Penobscot Bay YMCA also has an 8-lane pool with dedicated adult swim lap times as well as a therapy pool. An adult day pass is $10; a week-pass is $40 and a monthly pass is $48 to $58  with  $50 wear and tear fee. New this are extended weeknight weeknight pool hours until 8:15.  FMI: Pen Bay YMCA And Waldo County YMCA also has an aquatics program with adult swim times, therapy pool and aquatic aerobics. FMI: Waldo County YMCA

Hottest Fitness Trends

Circuit Training

(Calories burned 472 to 745)

CJ Strength and Conditioning has a Cardio Blast class for men and women who just want to get a good hour workout before going home. The one-hour drop-in class does several circuits of strength training. This class is held at 6 p.m., Monday through Friday for a $15 fee. FMI: CJ Strength and Conditioning

Snowshoeing

(Calories burned 472 to 745)

Want to take it outdoors? Beyond a state-of-the-art fitness and bowling facility, Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center in Northport has nearly four miles of snowshoeing trails that lead to the summit of a mountain overlooking Penobscot Bay. For only $7, people can rent snowshoes for a few hours (the unisex sizes even fit kids) for an enjoyable workout. FMI: Point Lookout

Jumpstart Your Weight Loss

(Calories burned TBD)

Penobscot Bay YMCA and Rockland Harbor YMCA are offering an integrated program starting January 9 which not only gives you more awareness on your health and eating habits, but also offers a free 8-week adult membership, free Fitness Center orientation, and free personal training session for $120. (Some of which might be offset by your insurance provider.) FMI: YMCA

Y Cycling

(Calories burned 472 to 745)

The Waldo County YMCA has a Y-Cycling program can help to make your fitness goals a reality. With no complicated moves to learn, a motivating group setting, enthusiastic instructors and invigorating music, you will find yourself having a blast while you ride your way to a leaner, stronger body. Day and times vary so consult their website. Only $8  per class for non-members. FMI: Waldo County YMCA

Calories burned source: http://www.nutristrategy.com/caloriesburned.htm

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com