Work (Out) From Home With These Free Videos
Last updated: April 18, 2024, at 12:06 p.m. PT
Originally published: January 19, 2017, at 11:45 a.m. PT
At-home workout videos may sound like an outdated fad from the eighties, but we think they were on to something! They’re a great option for those who don’t have time or easy access to a gym or studio, are new to exercise and want to work at their own pace and in the privacy of their own homes, on cold winter days when it’s difficult to leave for the gym or those that just want to add variety to their gym routine.
There are tons of videos across all types of exercises that you can find for free on YouTube. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cindy Crawford: The Next Challenge
This one comes from an era where celebrity workout tapes were all the rage. But Cindy’s program, developed by and featuring trainer to the stars Radu Teodorescu, is definitely a workout you’ll feel afterward. Cindy is encouraging throughout and offers alternatives for those just starting out or have lower back problems. And unlike a lot of other videos, she even gives you time to take measured and frewquent water breaks. This is a tape that definitely makes you feel strong and empowered while doing it. The video itself looks like an MTV art house music video, which also makes it fun to watch.
This YouTube channel has over 300 videos of yoga sequences for any situation you could want (“Yoga For When You’re In a Bad Mood,” “Yoga for Back Pain,” “Yoga for Weight Loss,” “Yoga for Your Lunch Break” and more). Adriene’s warm and compassionate personality will have you looking forward to your practices with her.
If you’re looking to break a sweat, step aerobics is a great cardio workout. This video from Reebok, one of the first makers of the plastic step used in many gyms, is appropriately paced, varied and easy to follow. The style of the video is cool, moody and resembles the Apple 1984 Super Bowl commercial.
Once you feel confident with the foundations of step aerobics, try these fun, high-energy routines from Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil. The videos don’t walk you through the moves, but if you have some experience with step, you should be able to learn the routines after following along several times. Try this one choreographed to Beyoncé’s “Formation.”
If you’re short on time and want to maximize the effectiveness of your workout, try Lifehack’s 7-Minute Workout video based on the scientifically designed routine. If you find the instructors or people in the background of the videos distracting, this animated video is a great solution. For the best results, it’s recommended to do the routine three times a day. Not only does it take up very little time, it only requires your body weight, a wall and a chair!