Sharing a winter travel workout for ya. This is a super simple dumbbell circuit workout that you can do anywhere!
Hi friends! How are you? I hope that your week is off to a great start! We’re driving back from the Princess _ I’ll share the adventures in Friday Faves – and heading home for discovery calls and all of the holiday baking.
Today, I wanted to chat a bit about travel workouts and share a quick and fun one for you!
Traveling during the winter months can be magical… and also a little disruptive to your routine. Between flights, family time, cold weather, and being out of your normal environment, workouts can often be the first thing to go.
The good news is that you don’t need a full gym or hours of time to get in movement while traveling.
This winter travel workout is one of my go-to routines when I’m out of town. It’s quick, effective, and requires just 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 isn’t to crush yourself; it’s to move your body, maintain strength, and feel good while traveling.
Why Strength Training While Traveling Matters
When you’re traveling (especially in winter), movement tends to drop, sleep can be off, and inflammation can creep up.
Short, full-body strength workouts can help:
Maintain muscle and metabolism
Improve circulation after long travel days
Support energy levels
Reduce stiffness and joint pain
Keep stress hormones in check
This circuit-style workout gives you all of that in under 30 minutes.
Warm-Up (5–7 Minutes)
Before jumping into the circuit, take a few minutes to warm up and get blood flowing.
You can choose:
Brisk walking (outside or treadmill)
Marching in place
Dynamic movements like:
Arm circles
Hip circles
Bodyweight squats
Walking lunges
Inchworms
Torso twists
The goal is to feel warm and prepped for your body.
Winter Travel Dumbbell Workout Circuit
You’ll complete this circuit leading with one side, then repeat it leading with the opposite side. That ensures balanced strength and core engagement.
Aim to complete 2–3 rounds per side, resting as needed between rounds.
1. Dumbbell Swings x 30
(Hold one dumbbell with both hands)
Form cues:
Feet hip-width apart
Hinge at the hips (not a squat)
Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes
The dumbbell should swing to chest height using momentum from your hips, not your arms
Keep your spine neutral and core engaged
Why I love it: Builds glutes, hamstrings, and power while elevating heart rate.
2. Stationary Lunges x 12 (each leg)
(Lead with one leg for the round)
Form cues:
Step one foot forward and stay planted
Drop your back knee straight down toward the floor
Front knee tracks over the toes
Chest stays tall, core engaged
Push through the front heel to stand
Why it’s great: Strengthens legs and glutes while improving balance.
3. Dumbbell Squats x 15
Form cues:
Hold dumbbells at your sides or goblet-style
Sit back into your hips like you’re sitting into a chair
Keep chest lifted and weight in your heels
Knees track outward
Exhale as you stand
4. Lateral Lunges x 8 (each side)
Form cues:
Step wide to the side
Sit into the hip of the working leg
Keep the opposite leg straight
Chest stays upright
Push back to center through the heel
This exercise targets inner thighs and glutes while improving hip mobility.
5. Renegade Rows x 10 total
(5 per arm)
Form cues:
Start in a plank position with hands on dumbbells
Feet wide for stability
Keep hips as still as possible
Pull one dumbbell toward your rib cage
Alternate sides
Why it’s great: Builds upper-body strength and core stability.
6. Side Plank x 40 seconds
(Lead with one side per round)
Form cues:
Elbow under shoulder
Body in a straight line from head to heels
Hips lifted
Core engaged, no sagging
Breathe steadily
This exercise trengthens obliques and deep core muscles.
How to Structure the Workout
Complete the full circuit leading with one side
Repeat the circuit leading with the opposite side
Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds if needed
Aim for 2–3 total rounds per side
Total workout time: ~20–30 minutes
Screenshot-Friendly Workout Summary
Warm-Up:
5–7 minutes (walk + dynamic movement)
Circuit (2–3 rounds per side):
Dumbbell swings x 30
Stationary lunges x 12
Squats x 15
Lateral lunges x 8
Renegade rows x 10
Side plank x 40 seconds
*Switch lead side and repeat.
So tell me, friends: do you workout on vacation? For me, it depends on a few factors, like whether we’ll be walking all day (I never work out at Disney lol) or if there are local studios I want to try, or a convenient hotel gym. I also love Sculpt Society in the Airbnb or hotel!
Please let me know if you give this one a try!
xo
Gina
