Last Updated on December 16, 2022 by Lori Geurin
Summer bodies are made in the winter, right? That’s what they say, at least. But who wants to go to the gym when it’s cold outside? Instead of braving the elements (or the crowds), why not stay in the comfort of your own home and get a good workout? Here are 20 ways to do just that.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting our little blog. I appreciate you!
20 Fun Ways To Work Out at Home
If you’re tired of the same old workouts, try these fun alternatives:
1. Mini Trampoline
Get yourself a mini trampoline and have a blast while you get your heart rate up. You can even put on some music and have a little dance party! Rebounding on a trampoline is also great for lymphatic health.
2. Just Dance
Speaking of dancing, pop in a Just Dance video game and follow along. It’s a fun way to get moving and break a sweat without even realizing it. Or turn on your favorite tunes and let loose in your living room.
3. Online Workout Videos
Many free workout videos are online, from yoga to HIIT to dance workouts. Find a style you enjoy and get moving! Check out YouTube for some options, or try a subscription service like Peloton or Daily Burn.
4. Hoola Hooping
Hoola-hooping is not just for kids! It’s a great way to work your core and have some fun at the same time. Plus, you can do it while watching TV or listening to music. So grab that hoola hoop from your childhood and give it a whirl (literally!).
5. Jumping Jacks
Sometimes the simplest exercises are the best. Get in a quick burst of cardio with some good old jumping jacks. Challenge yourself to see how many you can do in a minute, or mix them into any workout routine for an added boost.
RELATED: 7 Best Exercises for Overall Health and Wellness
6. Obstacle Course
Get creative and set up an obstacle course in your living room or backyard. Set up cones to jump over, chairs to crawl under, or even use household items like a broom for jumping jacks or pillows for weight lifting. Mix it up and have fun with it!
7. Wall Sit
Before I hear any groans, hear me out: wall sits can be fun! Set a timer and challenge yourself to see how long you can hold the position. Or, make it into a game with friends or family to see who can hold it the longest.
8. Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a great way to get your heart rate up and have fun. Plus, it’s portable, so you can take it on vacation or to the park for a change of scenery.
9. Yoga
Yoga is not just about being zen and calm (though that’s great, too!). You can get a good workout in with some power yoga or vinyasa flows. There are plenty of free yoga videos on YouTube.
I love doing yoga with the Hydrow app that goes with my Hydro rowing machine. Whatever you choose, get ready to sweat and strengthen your muscles.
Check out these 20 yoga benefits and 7 Benefits of Rowing Machine Workouts: How To Get in Shape for a bit of motivation.
10. Stair Climbing
Take advantage of the stairs in your home (or the stairwell in your apartment building) for a good cardio workout. Challenge yourself to see how many flights you can climb in a certain amount of time, or mix it up with jumping jacks or squats on each step.
11. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are great for toning and strengthening your muscles without needing weights or bulky equipment. Plus, they’re portable, so you can take them with you on vacation or to the park for a change of scenery.
12. Body Weight Exercises
Get in a good strength training workout using just your body weight. Try push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks for a full-body workout. Mix it up with jumping jacks or burpees for added cardio. You’ll feel the burn in all the right places when you’re done.
13. Squats
Who loves squats? *Crickets* But seriously, squats are great for toning and strengthening your lower body. Mix it up with pulsing squats or jump squats for added intensity. And make it fun by doing them while watching TV or listening to music.
14. Stationary Bike
If you have a stationary bike at home, hop on for a good cardio workout. Or, if you don’t have one, try a spin class on an app like Peloton or Daily Burn. Riding a bike is a great way to work your legs and get in some cardio.
15. Dancing
Crank up the music and let loose with some dancing! It’s a great way to have fun while getting in a good workout. Plus, it’s low impact, so it’s gentle on your joints. So turn on your favorite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching.
16. Dumbbells
Add some weights to your exercise routine with dumbbells. They’re great for strength training and toning your muscles. And they don’t take up much space, so you can keep them in a closet or under the bed when not in use.
17. Planks
Planks are a great way to work your core and strengthen your muscles. Mix it up by holding for a certain amount of time or trying different variations like side planks or plank jacks. And make it fun by doing them while watching TV or listening to music.
Check out this quick video of me and my dog Rudy “doing planks.”
18. Burpees
There’s a reason people have a love/hate relationship with burpees. Okay, so maybe it’s more hate than love. But they’re a great full-body exercise and can increase your heart rate for some good cardio.
Mix them into your routine and see how many you can do in a certain amount of time (just don’t push yourself too hard!).
19. Walking
Going for a walk is a great low-impact exercise and can be done anywhere. Take a brisk walk around the block, or switch it up with some stairs or hills for added intensity. Make it fun by going with a friend or listening to music or a podcast.
RELATED: Fitting in Physical Activity With a Busy Schedule: 7 Benefits of Walking
20. HIIT
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to get in a quick and intense workout. Follow along with a video or app, or create your circuit of exercises like burpees, jump squats, push-ups, and plank jacks.
Push yourself to the max for short intervals, and then take a quick break before going again.
Final Thoughts: Fun Ways To Exercise at Home
So there you have it – 20 fun ways to work out at home. Get creative and mix it up with different exercises to keep things interesting. Most importantly, find a style you enjoy and just have fun with it. Happy workouts!
What are your favorite fun ways to work out at home? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
