The Best YouTube Workout Channels
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my reviews and comparisons. I highlight products I use and recommend to friends.
If we learned anything from 2020, it is that it is possible to have a well-rounded workout routine from home.
To that end, if you want to learn more about building your perfect “home gym” for under $200 with minimal storage space, check out my blog post How to Make Fitness a Habit and a Lifestyle.
Anyway, another benefit of trying YouTube as a workout source is that you can try a new routine that might make you too nervous to try for the first time in public.
For instance, are you curious but uncomfortable about trying a ballet or barre class? (First of all, no one would be looking at you or judging you in a studio anyway – you’ve got this, girl!) Well here you can try some moves to see if you like it and if you want to get comfortable enough with it to go do it in a studio or gym!
These channels are great for allowing you to try new things and challenge your body in different ways with easy-to-follow exercises led by inspirational instructors.
Below are my favorite channels to try new routines, or supplement your similar routines with new moves. I consistently add new things on these channels to my routine to constantly keep my body challenged! All three are my go-to’s for new strength moves/twists on strength moves, with bonus cardio routines to keep my running, boxing, and cycling routine fresh and fun!
Boho Beautiful:
These workouts are a combination of yoga and Pilates (with some yoga- and Pilates-based cardio peppered in). Each workout is filmed in a gorgeous location (usually on a beach in a far-flung corner of the world) which makes for an overall pleasurable, peaceful, and calming workout. Juliana lulls you into comfort with her calming voice and timbre, but then as you get into the workout you realize how savagely effective they are.
This combination of things means it makes it not feel like a workout and more like self-care…until the next day when it hurts to laugh or sit.
Most routines are 10 or 15 minutes, so you can sprinkle them through the day (if you need a break from work or to clear your head), string a couple together to form a whole new routine, or tack one on to your regular workout for an added challenge.
I particularly love her ab and bum routines!
Moms Into Fitness:
I will cut right to the chase: this smiling lady will kick your butt. Her routines are mainly barre-ish but run the gamut on the strength spectrum.
As someone who frequently trains in barre (and even teaches them!), I am consistently challenged by her routines because of twists that constantly keep my muscles challenged in new ways. If you want to know why barre is a great addition to your fitness routine, read about it here!
Perhaps my favorite part about this channel though is the energy of the creator herself. She is remarkably fit – it is crazy that she has abs like that after having kids…what an inspiration! – but more importantly, her bubbly personality and energy is front and center as you work out with her. She is the kind of friend you would want to go to a class with you because of her positive and motivating energy, so she is the perfect one to lead you through a tough strength set!
I click on Moms Into Fitness anytime it pops up on my Pinterest page because it always puts a smile on my face, and I know I will get a great workout and leave feeling happy. This is precisely what we need from a fitness program, whether online or in person!
Bailey Brown:
These routines are ones I utilized heavily while starting to add physical activity back into my routine as I was recovering (read Surviving a Health Crisis for more). The material is mainly Pilates and strength-based with minimal if any equipment needed, and the workouts are upbeat, easy to follow, and fun!
Side note: I always love her workout clothes. Pretty workout clothes always keep me motivated!
The reason I liked these so much for working exercise back into my life is that they are short and effective. (Please note that I said “effective” – they are not easy by any means!) In fact, many are only 5 minutes, and your body can do almost anything for 5 minutes.
As I regained strength, I needed a reachable goal, and these provided me that. At that point in my recovery journey, the psychological element of being able to complete an entire workout was almost as important as the physical element.
These workouts are thus beneficial to both someone just starting out on an exercise program or regaining strength after an injury, and those who are regularly active and want an additional challenge. This length makes them both a good starting point and an ideal burnout to add to any existing workout for an added punch.
The location is usually on a beach, Bailey’s energy is off-the-charts and amazing, and she is in it with you every step of the way.
If you are dipping your toe into exercise or want to add a burnout to an existing routine, check out one or a string of her workouts to do during commercial breaks, or even better, to start your morning off right!
Did I miss any of your favorites? I am always looking for more inspiration and new routines, so email me what you love so that I can try it out (and add it to this post)!
If you want additional routines, get my FREE mix-and-match Tabata and barre routines, perfect to do separately or together for a full body STRENGTH and CARDIO double punch!
