Winter training circuit with dumbbells

We share a winter travel workout for you. This is a super simple dumbbell circuit workout that you can do anywhere!

Hello friends! how are you Hope your week is off to a great start! We drive back from Princess _ I’ll share the adventures in Friday Faves – and head home for opening calls and all the holiday baking.

Today I wanted to talk a little about travel workouts and share a quick and fun one for you!

Traveling in the winter months can be magical… and also a bit disruptive to your routine. Between flights, family time, cold weather, and being out of the ordinary, exercise can often be the first thing to do.

The good news is that you don’t need a full gym or hours of time to get moving while traveling.

This winter travel workout is one of my routines when I’m out of town. It’s quick, effective, and only requires one set of moderate dumbbells. You can do it in a hotel room, Airbnb, or even a small living space, and it hits your legs, glutes, core, and upper body while getting your heart rate up.

The goal is not to crush yourself; it’s about moving your body, maintaining strength, and feeling good while traveling.

Why strength training while traveling is important

When traveling (especially in winter), movement tends to decrease, sleep can be disrupted, and inflammation can occur.

Short full-body strength training sessions can help:

Maintain muscle and metabolism

Improve circulation after long days of travel

Maintains energy levels

Reduce joint stiffness and pain

Keep stress hormones under control

This circuit-style workout gives you all of that in less than 30 minutes.

Warm-up (5–7 minutes)

Before jumping into the circuit, take a few minutes to warm up and get the blood flowing.

You can choose:

Brisk walking (outside or on a treadmill)

Marching in place

Dynamic movements such as:

Hand circles

Thigh circles

Bodyweight Squats

Seizures while walking

inch worms

Torso twists

The goal is to feel warm and prepared for your body.

Winter training circuit with dumbbells

You will complete this chain by leading from one side, then repeat it by leading from the opposite side. This ensures balanced strength and core.

Aim to complete 2–3 rounds per side, resting as needed between rounds.

1. Dumbbell Swings x 30

(Hold a dumbbell with both hands)

Format Tips:

Feet hip-width apart

Hip Hinges (Not Squats)

Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes

The dumbbell should be swung to chest height using momentum from the hips, not the arms

Keep your spine neutral and core engaged

Why I love it: Builds glutes, hamstrings and strength while getting your heart rate up.

2. Stationary lunges x 12 (each leg)

(Lead with one leg for the round)

Format Tips:

Step one foot forward and stay in place

Drop your back knee straight down toward the floor

Front knees tracks over toes

Chest stays high, core engaged

Push through the front heel to stand up

Why it’s great: Strengthens legs and glutes while improving balance.

3. Dumbbell Squats x 15

Format Tips:

Hold the dumbbells at your side or cup style

Sit back into your hips as if you were sitting in a chair

Keep your chest up and weight in your heels

Knees track outward

Exhale while standing

4. Side kicks x 8 (each side)

Format Tips:

Step wide to the side

Sit on the thigh of the working leg

Keep the opposite leg straight

The chest remains erect

Press back to center through heel

This exercise targets the inner thighs and glutes while improving hip mobility.

5. Renegade Rows x 10 total

(5 per hand)

Format Tips:

Start in a plank position with your hands on dumbbells

The legs are wide for stability

Keep your hips as still as possible

Pull a dumbbell toward your chest

Alternative countries

Why it’s great: Builds upper body strength and core stability.

6. Side plank x 40 seconds

(Water with one side of a circle)

Format Tips:

The elbow under the shoulder

The body in a straight line from head to toe

Raised hips

Core is engaged, no sagging

Breathe evenly

This exercise strengthens the oblique and deep muscles of the cortex.

How to structure your workout

Complete the entire chain leading with one side

Repeat the chain leading with the opposite side

Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds if necessary

Aim for a total of 2–3 rounds per side

Total workout time: ~20–30 minutes

Screenshot-friendly workout summary

Warming up:

5–7 minutes (walk + dynamic movement)

Circuit (2–3 rounds per side):

Dumbbell swings x 30

Standing lunges x 12

Squats x 15

Side lunges x 8

Renegade rows x 10

Side plank x 40 seconds

*Change leading side and repeat.

So tell me friends: do you work out on vacation? For me, it depends on a few factors, like if we’re going to be walking around all day (I never work out at Disney hahahaha) or if there are local studios I want to try or a convenient hotel gym. I love too Sculpture Society in an Airbnb or hotel!

Please let me know if you try this one!
xo

Gina