As part of the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) management efforts, many gyms and studios have temporarily closed their doors. This health and safety measure means we must now be more creative in the ways we get our fitness fix, and keep endorphins high. Staying active is an important part of one’s overall health, and even if you’re staying at home to self-isolate, there are plenty of ways to move. So grab your laptop and home equipment if you’ve got it, and let’s take a look at the best YouTube channels for home fitness.
Best YouTube Channels for HIIT
Nicole Pearce
Nicole’s YouTube Channel is an extension of her blog, Pumps & Iron. Nicole is a group fitness instructor blogger, who regularly uploads HIIT workouts you can do in the comfort of your home. Her upbeat approach will keep you engaged and moving throughout each workout, focussing on different muscle groups to maintain variety and a balanced approach to training. Have browse, and choose from no-equipment workouts, sessions with resistance bands, and even some Tabata style sets.
Nicole’s workouts vary in duration, depending on the muscles being targeted, and are totally adaptable to suit all abilities. Whether you’re looking for a 5-minute burst exercise, or a sustained 45-minute superset, she’s got you covered.
MadFit
There’s nothing like a great soundtrack to a workout. There are perhaps few people who appreciate that more than Maddie Lymburner, aka MadFit. Canadian fitness and lifestyle vlogger, Maddie ingeniously creates many of her workouts to be “challenges” choreographed to specific songs. Fire up your abs do Justin Beiber’s “Yummy”, or hit that full-body cardio burn synced to Lady Gaga’s “Stupid Love” you’ll want to workout and dance in equal measure.
In addition to her song workouts, Maddie has dedicated genres for no-equipment workouts, apartment-friendly workouts, low impact, and yoga sessions. There’s no shortage for options when you’re on streaming MadFit.
Chloe Ting
If you have a particular muscle group or area you want to focus on in your at-home workouts, check out the range of dedicated videos over on Chloe Ting's channel. Some of her most popular videos focus on ab routines to carry out over two weeks. Or, tone and sculpt your lower body with a booty burn workout. Offering a variety of workouts with resistance band or equipment-free, there are plenty to keep you moving!
If you're after some meal prep inspo, Chloe also has a variety of food vlogs to browse. But don't take it from us, see for yourself!
Best YouTube Channels for Pilates
Lottie Murphy
We would be remiss if Lottie Murphy's Pilates channel wasn't featured on this list! Whether you are new to Pilates or a seasoned pro, Lottie has challenging and fun workouts for every level. If her beautiful studio set up isn't enough to entice you in, perhaps her near-endless catalogue of Pilates videos for every focus will. As WFH life continues for many, her 10-minute Pilates for Desk Posture video might be just the break you need to loosen those aches and pains.
Find your place on the mat and choose from a Full Body Workout, Standing Balance, Pilates Fundamentals videos and more. With new videos uploaded regularly, Lottie will keep you moving!
Best YouTube Channels for Yoga
Cat Meffan
When it comes to Yoga on YouTube, Cat Meffan is the first instructor who pops into the minds of many viewers. Cat’s channel features free weekly yoga classes and ‘how to’ yoga tutorials, as well as lifestyle content including travel vlogs and healthy habits.
While there are endless yoga flows on her channel, Cat also offers a monthly paid subscription through her website for those seeking a deeper stretch. The subscription includes a variety of extended yoga flows with options for a shorter duration, movement breakdown tutorials, guided meditation, and access to her community forum.
Molly McKeever
Molly is a Dublin-based yoga instructor, studio owner, and blogger whose YouTube channel brings her studio to your screen. Whether you’re new to yoga or a Pincha Mayurasana pro, Molly’s channel is sure to keep your practice developing.
Molly features a mix of energising yoga flows, meditation, and some in-depth how-to’s for yoga poses you might be trying to tackle. While her studio, Sweaty Soul Studio, is currently closed to abide by health and safety regulations amidst Coronavirus, members can still use their subscriptions to attend daily classes on Zoom.
Yoga with Adriene
Adriene is on a mission to provide as many people as possible with high-quality, free yoga videos. Her content is suitable for yogis of all levels and acts to calm and relieve the mind, create space, and cultivate self-love. She has classes ranging from 10 minutes up to 45 minutes, so there’s something to fit every schedule.
In consideration to current events, Adriene has dedicated two video playlists to help quell life quarantine. Try one of her “Standing Yoga” videos to get away from your desk or up off the sofa. And if you’re feeling a bit down, flow through one of her “Yoga for Uncertain Times” classes.
Best YouTube Channels for Strength and Mobility
The Body Coach
The Body Coach, Joe Wicks, is a legendary trainer, popular for his comprehensive and 360 approach to a healthier lifestyle. His YouTube Channel, The Body Coach TV, features weekly workouts to help viewers burn fat and get fitter, stronger, and healthier at the same time.
The channel boasts a catalogue of over 250 workout videos to keep you challenged and progressing toward your goals. Joe’s workouts are expertly designed to help with your dynamic mobility and strength, important aspects of fitness if you find yourself sitting at a desk for most of the day. Choose from his “7 Day Sweat Challenge”, “Home Fat Burners”, and “20 Minute Workouts” and you’ll see and feel the results in no time.
FitnessFAQs
Daniel Vadnal of FitnessFAQs will help you master calisthenics through his online workouts. Whether you're tuning in on YouTube or subscribed to his blog for in-depth calisthenic programs that are as informative as they are tough, FitnessFAQs has a compound approach to training that works multiple muscle groups at the same time. Daniel is great at breaking down each exercise and explaining the benefit of each movement in a workout. With an instructional and tailored approach, you’ll feel as if you’ve got your own PT.
Best Channel for Kids Home Workouts
Joe Wicks
With schools closed across the UK, many families are now social distancing in a house full of rambunctious kids. Busy parents fret not, as Joe Wicks of the Body Coach has you covered. Digitally stepping into the role as your children’s physical education teacher, Joe has launched a designated “P.E. with Joe” schedule streaming at 9:00AM GMT Mondays-Fridays. The sessions will keep kids moving and optimistic in ever-changing times.
Conclusion
While you may not be able to visit the gym for the time being, don’t let that deter you from staying active. You’re certainly not short on options for keeping fit. As we’ve covered throughout this blog, there’s something for every fitness fix on YouTube. Now is a great time to try a workout you haven’t done before from the privacy of your flat, or connect with your favourite fitness personalities by following along with their content schedule. However you choose to stay active, it’s important that you do so! Healthy body, healthy mind. Stay safe and well.
