Indoor exercises for when it’s too cold to workout outside

Inclement weather and cold winter days can make it hard to get a good outdoor workout. When winter weather forces you to stay inside it’s helpful to know a few exercises that you can do in your home.

Here are four great workouts to keep you warm (and your heart rate up) in the comfort of your own living room. As a bonus all of these indoor exercises are totally free and require no special equipment.

Yoga

To get started just lay out your yoga mat. If you don’t have a mat a bath towel will work in its place. Follow a tutorial video that suits your lifestyle and fitness goals — and before you know it you’ll be enjoying benefits like relaxation pain relief and improved strength.

Yoga is accessible to all ages and ability levels so take a few minutes to find a yoga flow that works for you. Websites like doyogawithme.com have practices designed for almost anyone so it’s easy to find something beneficial even if you have back pain are pregnant or typically stick with cardio workouts.

Dancing

The dance workouts of yesteryear have been replaced by fun moves set to your favorite music. Dancing is a great whole-body workout that increases your heart rate which is an important part of maintaining cardiovascular health. It’s also helpful in building strength and increasing flexibility.

Whether you enjoy shaking it to country music or sweating to the oldies there’s a dance workout for everyone at any fitness level. The YouTube channel BeFit has posted dozens of popular (and fun) dance workouts that can lift your spirits while you get fit.

Boxing

Jabbing crossing and hooking with an invisible partner is an easy way to build strength hone your balance and get a great cardio workout. According to The Telegraph boxing can also help improve your mental health.

Almost anyone can practice basic non-contact boxing moves in their own home and you don’t need any special equipment like bags or gloves. Follow the step-by-step guide provided by Shape to get started.

Body-weight workouts

Body-weight workout programs have gained popularity in recent years because they’re easy to do at home and don’t require any equipment. These programs are great indoor exercises that use a series of simple movements (and your own body weight) to tone muscles and burn calories.

Body-weight workouts are easy to adapt to your needs so you can squeeze in some good exercise no matter your time constraint or physical fitness level. Women’s Health Magazine published an equipment-free body-weight routine you can do at home.

Working out at home during the winter can be a fun way to stay healthy and overcome the cold weather blues. Try a few different workouts to find a routine you enjoy and can maintain throughout the season.

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