Winter has officially made its grand entrance in Atlanta this year. While many enjoy the cold weather and even a fun day with the kids in the snow, others are longing for spring and warm weather.

If you’re like me and aren’t up for braving the cold to get in a workout, you can still break a sweat indoors in many ways. Movement is medicine. As a mom, I work out so I can show up strong and healthy for my daughter. Whether your 2025 New Year’s goal is to get in more steps each day or to start lifting weights, I’ve created a list of six simple ways you can squeeze in some exercise inside.
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1. JOIN A LOCAL GYM
Get an hour of “me time” in by joining a gym with childcare. This saved me before my daughter began preschool. Here are a few gyms around Atlanta that offer childcare with a gym membership:
- YMCA: There are over 15 YMCA locations all around Atlanta and most if not all offer childcare.
- LIFETIME FITNESS: There are eight locations around Atlanta (with the Perimeter location coming spring of 2025), each offering childcare.
- WINDY HILL ATHLETIC CLUB: Located near the Battery, this location offers up to two hours of childcare with your membership.
- LA FITNESS: There are 10 locations around Atlanta and a few offer childcare.
2. FIND A STROLLER-FRIENDLY INDOOR WALKING TRACK
An indoor walking track is a great way to get in some steps – The best part is if you have littles, you can bring them with you in a stroller. Select gyms will have a walking track and even certain community recreation centers offer solely a walking membership.
- For example, the three recreation centers in Cumming and Suwanee offer a “FitWalk” membership with access to their indoor tracks!
3. JOIN A LOCAL FITNESS STUDIO
Already know what kind of workouts you like to do? Find a studio near you that offers it! Or you could try out an app like Classpass which offers an affordable way to try different classes around your city. Some examples include:
- Barre3 (low-impact barre)
- Rockbox Fitness (boxing, strength training)
- Club Pilates (reformer Pilates)
- Orange Theory (cardio & strength training)
- F45 (strength training, HIIT, and conditioning)
- Yonder Yoga (hot yoga)
- Solidcore (low-impact workout on pilates-inspired reformer)
4. MALL WALK
Atlanta is not short of amazing malls, and most of them support mall walkers by opening the mall doors 30 minutes to an hour before shops open. This is another stroller-friendly and budget-friendly way to power walk inside! Some examples include:
- Perimeter Mall: doors unlock one hour before the mall opens.
- Cumberland Mall: doors unlock one hour before the mall opens.
5. INVEST IN A WALKING PAD OR TREADMILL
Do you work from home and struggle to find time to fit in a workout? The under-desk walking pad may be a great option to consider.
- Under $100 Version – on sale right now with great reviews.
- Best Reviewed – also on sale right now.
- Foldable with Remote Control – more expensive, but portable and great for storing.
6. STREAM ONLINE WORKOUTS FROM HOME
YouTube is your one-stop shop for budget-friendly exercise anytime. There are endless options for whatever you are looking for, whether it’s a 10-minute ab workout or an hour of pilates.
I’d love to know… how are you planning to get in exercise this winter? Let me know in the comments below!