Diane Keaton once posted an Instagram comment about how she’s been running five miles a day for her entire life. Problem is, I don’t want to run five miles a day. But, now that I’m pushing 40, I’m hunting for a workout routine I can count on to get the job done. And, as we all know, Moms are super-humanly strong, but have little time or space to exercise. So, I turned to YouTube for some inspiration (of the free and fast variety) and here are my top findings. Ready. Set. Click.
Fat burning…
BodyFit By Amy
Yes, Amy kinda has the vibe of your perky high school frenemy. But she’s also so real, aside from the fact that she must never sleep. Her page has everything from kettlebell workouts to pilates to Mommy-and-Me and prenatal workouts. She even offers different modifications depending on your fitness level — so she meets you where you’re at, wherever that is. Start with 16-Minute No Equipment Arms & Back Workout or the Body Blast Workout.
Moderate…
MadFit
Host Maddie Lymburner is a chill Canadian whose workouts have the right amount of variety to keep things interesting. I appreciate that she gives instructions, sets the pace, then shuts her mouth, so you can do your thing without the background chatter (or with your own music). Start with her 10-min No Jumping Cardio Fat Burn, ideal if you have a baby sleeping in the next room or don’t want to disrupt neighbors. Or just don’t feel like jumping. Also try 15-Minute, No-Equipment Upper-Body Workout.
Supportive…
Joanna Soh
YouTube queen Joanna Soh has a wide range of cardio and strength training exercises that aren’t too tough but will still get your blood flowing. She encourages viewers to use proper form and cheers you on in a way that’s peppy but not annoying. Each segment features a clock in the corner of the screen, a comforting way for you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Start with her 15-Minute Express Workout and Lose Flabby Arms Upper body Cardio Circuit (No Weights).
Strenuous…
Fitness Blender
The Fitness Blender channel is all about embracing the high intensity workout. Husband and wife Daniel and Kelli post minimalist videos that give you calorie counts during the training. They seem non-threatening, like that friendly couple at your kid’s school whose names you can never remember. And they’re about to kick your butt. Start with their 37-minute HIIT workout, which’ll make you want to puke (but in a good way) then try their squat challenge, which will also make you want to puke (in a good-ish way).
Straight-up Fun…
Clubfitz
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you haven’t been out dancing with your girlfriends in at least…7 years? Enter Clubfitz, the channel that offers dance workouts you do in your living room. And the best part is you won’t be hungover the next day. Start with Post Malone before moving on to Cardi B and Snoop Dogg.
Super pro…
Koboko Fitness
Personality goes a long way in the YouTube exercise universe and the Koboko Fitness channel radiates pure energy. Not only is Koko a certified personal trainer, she also seems like someone you’d genuinely want to hang out with IRL. She brings her know-how to all parts of the body and the workouts can be done with little to no equipment. It’s cool to have a real personal trainer without, you know, paying for one. Start with 7-min Abs Workout Routine, and also try 5-minute HIIT Workout and 20-minute low-impact walk.
Customizable…
Yoga with Adriene
They don’t call Adriene Mishler the ‘Queen of YouTube Yoga’ for nothing! This channel is for anyone who wants to experiment with yoga in the privacy of their own home. Adriene has a wide range of yoga exercises in categories you didn’t even know existed, like Yoga for Chefs and Yoga to Gain Perspective. There’s also Yoga for Kids, Yoga for People On Their Feet All Day, Yoga for Bedtime… the list goes on. Honestly, just jump in with whatever feels good.
Major time-saver…
Blogilates
Some of us find it difficult to find time to squeeze in a full pilates class. Good thing certified fitness instructor Cassey Ho aka ‘Blogilates’ has us covered. Her videos feature simple moves you can do anywhere, anytime — all you need is 5-10 minutes to spare. It’s kinda like speed pilates, and there’s a reason she’s mega-popular in the fitness world. Start with POP Pilates for Beginners – Total Body Workout before scooting on to 6 Min to Sexy Arms.
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