When it's snowing, raining or freezing outside, getting to the gym, frequenting your barre class or logging an evening run gets tricky. And by tricky, we mean next to impossible. Instead of letting your workouts (and those abs you worked so hard on all summer) suffer while you're stuck inside, it's time to get creative.

Basic household items can easily become stand-in gym equipment with minimal MacGyver-ing. With the help of fitness guru Ashley Borden, trainer to Mandy Moore and Natasha Beddingfield, we rounded up eight household items that make great understudies for pricey gym equipment from dumbbells to ballet barres.

Use it to replace: Chest press, tricep extension or shoulder press machines

How: With an isometric exercise performed in a stand-still position (lazy girls rejoice!) that works your shoulders, chest and arms

Try: The Doorway Push
Stand in an open doorway, knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart. Your arms are relaxed by your sides. Straighten your arms and slowly raise them until they come in contact with either side of the doorway. Next, press them firmly against the door frame as hard as you can for 10 seconds. Rest and repeat for five reps. Complete four sets.

Use it to replace: A ballet barre

How: Use the back of your chair for balance to maintain good form while you perform targeted exercises to work your calves, butt, and thighs

Try: Relevé Plié
Stand with heels together, toes apart, so your feet form a V-shape. Gently rest your hands on the back of the chair. Engage your core and rise up onto the balls of your feet. Bend your knees over your toes, lowering about halfway, then straighten your legs, squeezing your inner thighs as you extend. Do 4 sets of 10 reps.

Use it to replace: A medicine ball

How: Evenly distributes extra weight during exercises you're already familiar with to get even more burn from head to toe.

Try: Lunges With Overhead Press
Start in a standing position with your feet together. Hold your pumpkin or melon in front of your chest with both hands. Engage your core by pulling in your abs as you take a large step forward with your right foot. Lower your hips straight down into a lunge while you simultaneously lift the pumpkin straight over your head. Pull the pumpkin back toward your chest while stepping your left leg forward so you end in the starting position. Do five reps then repeat with your left foot. Complete two sets.

Use it to replace: A kettlebell

How: With a core-centric move that challenges you to focus on your form and agility for a full-body workout

Try: Off Set Farmer's Carry
This workout works best with a box of detergent with a handle. Pick up the box of detergent with one hand and stand with your arms straight. They key here is use your core strength to keep your shoulders level as if you were carrying weight in both hands. Walk 20 steps forward, turn around, and walk 20 more steps. Set the box down and switch hands. If you sway or have to change your gait, start with fewer steps and work your way up as you feel comfortable.