5 Winter Workout Ideas You Can Take Indoors

 

As the weather turns cold and blustery, the prospect of doing an outdoor workout becomes less pleasant. But you can keep your exercise initiatives close to home and still enjoy lots of energy-boosting benefits. Consider five winter workout ideas you can take indoors.

 

• Get “flush” with fitness. Use a deck of cards to define your workout of the day. Choose 3-5 exercises, each of which covers a different muscle group, i.e., push-ups, jumping jacks, sit-ups, planks, and lunges. Alternate movements for each flip of a card, following the rep scheme as dealt that’s true to the number cards 2-10, 15 each for face cards, and 25 for every ace.
• Improvise your interval training. Although you may not have the same equipment in your home as a full-fledged gym, you can use everyday items to pump up your workout routine. Add in some cardio interval training by stepping up onto a low table or short stool. Do some triceps dips using a kitchen chair. You can even use your dog’s pull toy as a resistance band.
• Step it up. Indoor exercise can happen as a matter of course throughout your day. Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator to give your heart and muscles a good workout. Take it up a notch by running in place, lifting your knees to hip level.
• Jump into some nostalgia. Go for something a bit more rigorous—and sentimental: Consider jumping rope. As part of an overall workout, even a few minutes will get your heart rate going.
• Fill up to pump up. Working with weights will help you build body strength and muscle tone, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend money on a home gym. Fill up water bottles or milk jugs based to the poundage of the weight you need, and then keep filling them up as you get stronger. Search “water jug workouts” online for tutorials appropriate to your physical abilities and skill level.

  

Before starting any exercise program—indoors or out—consult a physician first. Make sure all exercises you undertake are appropriate to your physical condition and abilities. A 30- to 40-minute workout three to four days a week will do wonders for your health, so don’t let the doldrums of winter wreak havoc on your commitment to workout. Take it indoors—and take your activity level up a notch no matter the weather.

Did you know that soaking in a hot tub either pre-workout or post-workout can help you maximize your fitness regimen? Discover the health benefits of a hot tub for fitness and recovery now.