10 Super Effective Exercises to Do at Home as the Weather Cools Down

The chill in the air means more indoor time, and let’s be honest, getting out to exercise doesn’t always seem appealing—or doable—with little ones around.

I totally get it; I’m right there with you. Keeping active is a big enough challenge without the cold weather adding to our list of excuses.

That’s why I’ve put these 10 exercises together that you can do without ever needing to open your front door. They’re perfect for fitting into a packed day. You can do them during a break in your routine, or even while the kids are doing their homework.

Side-lying Hip Abduction

Strengthening your hips might not be top of your mind, but it’s a game changer, particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting.

Lie down on your left side, use your left arm to support your head, and place your right hand on the floor for stability.

Stack your legs straight, one atop the other, and then lift the top leg while keeping your hips steady and facing forward.

It’s a quiet move that can have a loud impact on your hip strength and stability. Switch sides after your reps to keep it even.

Pushups

Okay, pushups are tough, especially when you’re balancing family life and barely have a minute. But they are worth it.

Start in a high plank, hands under shoulders, and body straight as a board. As you lower down, let your elbows bend back at a 45-degree angle.

Even if you start with just a few, each one is a step towards being your strongest self.

If you need to start a little lighter, you can always do knee pushups!

Plank

Let’s be real, squeezing in workout time can be a juggle when you’re managing a household. That’s where the plank comes in—it’s quick, effective, and you can do it right next to the playpen.

Just hold a push-up position with your arms straight, like you’re bracing to hold up the fort at home. Start with 30 seconds and try to add a bit more time each day.

It might feel impossible at first, but even a few seconds more can make a big difference. You’ve got this!

If it makes you feel any better, my 70-year-old grandmother has been out-planking me for years.

Water Bottle Curls

Forget about buying weights when you can make your own with what you have at home. Start with water bottles; they’re perfect for toning your arms while you catch up on your favorite series or keep an eye on dinner.

Make it a goal to get 50 curls in for each arm (one arm at a time). Once that gets too easy for you, knock it up to 100.

If you’re ready for more challenge, switch to milk jugs. Fill them to your desired weight, and increase as you get stronger.

It’s a simple way to keep your muscles engaged without stepping out the door. Plus, it’s a little victory every time you lift a bit more.

Straight-leg Donkey Kicks

Donkey kicks are a fantastic way to sculpt your glutes right in the comfort of your living room.

Start on all fours, making sure your hands are under your shoulders and your knees are under your hips.

Keep your back flat as you extend one leg straight back, pushing your heel towards an imaginary wall.

Keep your foot flexed as if you’re pressing your heel into the wall. This precision helps target your glutes optimally.

After a set, switch legs to balance out the effort. It’s a low-impact move with great returns.

Jump Rope

Who knew an old school tool could bring you a modern workout right at home? Grab that jump rope your kids have been playing with and give it a whirl.

Just a few minutes with the rope can boost your heart rate like few other exercises can, giving you intense cardio plus a killer calf workout. It’s fun, fast, and remarkably effective, especially when outdoor jogs feel less appealing in the cool weather.

Bridges

Kick off your at-home workout with a bridge, an excellent way to get your blood flowing and your muscles ready for more action.

Simply lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Your arms should rest comfortably at your sides.

Now, engage your core and push through your heels to lift your hips off the ground. Make sure to squeeze those glutes hard at the top!

Lower back down slowly and repeat. This exercise not only warms you up but gets your posterior chain firing effectively.

Stationary Lunges

Stationary lunges are a superb way to strengthen your legs without needing a lot of room.

Begin by stepping your right foot forward and keeping your left foot back, just balancing on your toes.

Sink into a lunge until your right thigh is parallel to the floor.

Drive through your right heel to lift yourself back to starting position.

Complete your set and then switch to the left leg.

It targets your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, making it a full-package move for lower body strength.

Heel Raises

When it’s chilly outside, why not turn your kitchen into your mini-gym?

Start with heel raises to strengthen your calves without needing any fancy equipment.

Just stand facing your kitchen bench with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Lift yourself slowly onto your toes, hold that peak for a sweet second, then ease back down.

Keep this up for 30 seconds. You can grab a breather whenever you need one.

Mini Squats

Sticking with the kitchen theme, let’s talk about mini squats.

Position yourself in front of your bench, feet set like you’re about to tackle the day—shoulder-width apart.

Lower yourself by bending your knees, keeping it slow and controlled.

When you rise back up, give your buttocks a good squeeze.

Pause, then dip down again.

Do this for 30 seconds, taking breaks as needed. It’s a fantastic way to tone your lower body while the soup simmers or you wait for your tea to steep.