So, it’s a weird time. A weird, weird time. Most of the world is in quarantine or self-quarantine, and with that comes the need for home workout videos and sources like never before.
Some people feel a bit stranded by this, but as someone who relied on home workouts for years, let me tell you that it can be done, and there are ample sources out there to help you. This post is a list of some great online home workout resources. Some I’ve personally relied on for many years, and others are ones I’ve only quickly researched. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, though maybe I’ll do one of those later. And this isn’t a list of some great YouTubers and websites that rely heavily on gym equipment, because, well…helloooo.
Check-in.
First of all, hi! How are you? I hope you’re doing well right now. It may be scary, boring, frustrating or any and all of the above. That’s okay. You’re not alone.
I’m in the US, where things are ramping up pretty quickly now and to be honest, I haven’t adjusted to my new life yet, but I’m looking forward to getting a routine down, including relying on an almost-daily home workout to keep myself grounded and happy.
And I should mention that working out in any capacity does help you maintain a brighter mood, so I highly suggest it for keeping yourself balanced in a very unbalanced time. Also, it’s healthy for you, and health is of the utmost importance right now (duh).
Even a little.
If you’re getting overwhelmed by the thought of workout out at home, or going out for a run (just keep a safe distance from people), just commit to 10 minutes at a time. 10 minutes will give you a boost, and likely make you want to go for longer. But even that small amount can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Too much? Five minutes is good, too! Four minutes! Do a Tabata circuit (10 seconds of rest followed by 20 seconds of work for eight rounds)! You can do it.
And if you can’t? Honestly, it’s okay. Be kind and good to yourself, and if you can’t work up the energy or determination right now, that’s okay. Things are uncertain and scary.
This post is only meant to help those looking for resources or inspiration already. Be good to yourself, and others.
So scroll down to read a non-exhaustive and not-in-any-particular-order list of some kickass, FREE online home workout videos.
Home Workout Videos and Resources
LovingFit
I’d be remiss without LovingFit. The website is a bit lapsed, but Tatianna’s workouts are all up there and they’re all excellent. They range from intermediate to advanced, and do require some equipment, but you can modify or even make your own equipment, which I’ve done before. There are some that are bodyweight, as well. All the workouts are filmed in Tatianna’s house or occasionally outside, but all without a gym. The moves are well-explained, well-shown, creatively combined, and effective.
Level: intermediate to advanced.
Old BodyRock
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This is from the way-back machine, but man, I love the old BodyRock workouts. The old team was Zuzka Light and her then-creep husband Freddy. Zuzka is charming, friendly, and has an incredible body, which is an inspiration in itself. You might be overwhelmed by the sexuality of the videos—I was too at first, until I just tried to do the darn thing and then it didn’t matter. The sexiness was a big bone of contention with many followers, and also, apparently, the couple, who split about 2011. I assure you that the workouts are nevertheless excellent, and many of them are bodyweight.
I access them through this website, and I found a playlist on YouTube that has them as well.
Zuzka’s career lives on, though behind a paywall at zuzkalight.com. She also has occasional free workouts. BodyRock lives on as well, also behind a paywall. If you’re willing to pay a monthly fee and need to decide, don’t give BodyRock your money. Go for Zuzka’s.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Melissa Bender Fitness
Melissa’s tagline is “Fitness Should Be Free.” And it is. Melissa has loads and loads of at-home workouts and programs, including those she’s done in preparation for contests and those she’s done throughout her entire pregnancy, and after. She’s relatable and creative, and lots of fellow workout enthusiasts swear by her workouts.
Fitness Blender
If you want a straightforward, in-the-moment, beginner to intermediate workout to do at home, it’s hard to find a better site than Fitness Blender. They’ve been at this a while, and have loads of workouts on their site and on their YouTube channel completely free—but with some limitations. Started by a husband-wife personal trainer team, it’s no-nonsense and to the point. If you’re looking for something clear and less vlog-ey, give them a shot. I see people doing their workouts all the time at the gym. Well…I used to see that.
You do have to sign up for a membership, and there is a paid option that has no ads and more perks.
Yoga with Adriene
I don’t do yoga, but damn, I just might. Yoga with Adriene is the go-to at-home yoga practice and workout site.
Granted, yoga usually isn’t a workout per se, but any movement is always good, plus it will help with mind-body connection, flexibility and mobility, and, of course, anxiety. And there’s plenty of that floating around.
Level: Beginner to intermediate, perhaps more advanced
Athlean-XX For Women
I came across the Athlean-XX channel on YouTube because I used to follow one of their trainers, Susan, when she won a YouTube contest for a 30-day ab routine. This channel has a variety of workouts from great female trainers with at-home creative workouts that will definitely keep your boredom at bay while building muscle and getting a sweat.
Their site is very geared toward a paid program, but if you check out the YouTube channel, there are a lot of free workouts you can check out.
Level: Intermediate
PopSugar Fitness
The PopSugar Fitness workout videos look a bit like the old-school home workout DVDs I used to buy in the 90s. That is, minimal workout or experience required for some good old-fashioned cardio routines. Lots of zumba, pilates and dance, so it should be super fun, too!
Level: Beginner to ?
Hannah Eden Fitness
Okay, I’ve talked a lot about Hannah Eden, here and here. I love her workouts. They’re intermediate to advanced, with some beginner modifications. You can get a free week at Bodybuilding.com for her FYR or FYR 2.0 programs. If you don’t mind filling in the blanks, she posts a lot of her workouts on her Instagram channel, as well.
Level: Intermediate to advanced.
Fitwitchery.com
That’s me! I mean, that’s this! Here you are! Fitwitchery.com.
I have several home workouts up on my website, some with instructional video. Alternatively, I have a free pdf you can download with 10 free workouts if you sign up for my newsletter below. At-home and park workouts were my jam for years, some with weights, and many without. I have great ideas for bodyweight workouts, how to progress in bodyweight workouts, equipment to get for your home gym, and more.
Feel free to email me with any questions. I am NOT a licensed personal trainer or medical professional, but I’m happy to give any advice based on what’s worked for me.
In conclusion.
It’s a scary time, and working out may seem trivial or superficial to some, but for many people (myself included), it helps monumentally with stress and anxiety. If you’re feeling off your game, give a home workout a try. It can do wonders for your mood.
But also, be sure to pick up the phone, Facetime people if you can, stay connected, and be good to yourself. We are, actually, all in this together.