Rowing machines can help people keep exercising during cold winter months and work off any excess pounds put on by Christmas festivities, it has been claimed.

Writing for Living Niagara, lifestyle reporter Alicia Floyd said that having fitness equipment at home also allows people to fit exercise into their busy schedules.

She commented: "If you are a runner, rower or cyclist, you can bring these sports indoors with exercise bikes, treadmills and rowing machines, all great examples of equipment that can help you maintain your outdoor routines."

Ms Floyd went on to say that those unsure about the type of fitness equipment to purchase should consult a personal trainer and added that such items make good Christmas gifts.

This week, David C Nieman from the American College of Sports Medicine said that exercising regularly will help workers ward off sickness during the winter months.

He recommended working out for around 45 minutes most days of the week.