These fitness trainers or Youtube channels regularly release new free online workout videos that are challenging and fun. Perfect for those days when you have no time for the gym but want to work your body and boost your metabolism.
A word about my recommendations
The suggested instructors and the workout videos they post on a regular basis focus more on full-body intensive toning and HIIT workouts. Although each trainer in the videos gives modifications for different fitness levels, I have chosen them because their exercises are efficient and get me results. If I decide to show up for myself and workout for 30 minutes, I want it to count. I want to feel my heart beating, my blood pumping, my sweat dripping; you get the picture. Although I can't remember the time before we had Youtube—I am a fan—I remember the numerous times I wasted trying to find the right fitness video to only cut my workout short.
I have perused a lot of fitness videos to now know what I like and which trainers I enjoy. Although I might sometimes find a new fitness channel that interests me enough to switch it up, the list below contains trainers who release new challenging workout videos I enjoy the most!
First, let's talk self-care
Over the years I have come to realize that self-care is a choice you have to make deliberately. Everyone needs to recharge their battery to maintain their health—keeping your body active is part of that maintenance.
If possible, I prefer to go to the gym in the early mornings. Because I only have about 40 minutes, I often do HIIT workouts (High-Intensity Interval Training) that will target both my weight training and my cardio. Occasionally I change it up with hardcore yoga, HIIT pilates or focus on just cardio or flexibility, but I want my short workout to count. There are of course always days that my schedule is too busy or I cannot make it in the morning due to other commitments. I used to let these days go by without exercising or doing any form of aerobic activity. Although not a problem in itself, it often turned into hitting pause on my workouts for a whole week which turned into two or more—and so the vicious cycle of breaking a healthy habit began.
Making everything else more critical than self-care also meant not taking enough time for myself in other areas—like enjoying a relaxing bath, meditating or going to bed at a decent hour. In the end, this approach just works against me. My energy level drops, I need more coffee to get through a day, I am more cranky at times. I sleep better on the days I work out, my energy level is through the roof, and I feel like I can tackle any obstacle with grace and patience. Looking better and more toned is, of course, a bonus.
Working out or having an active lifestyle just makes a person happier. You need to release these happy endorphins, and I believe that you always should make a little time for yourself during the day to work on you and your body. So, on days when you can't make it to the gym, go for a brisk 30-minute walk, play tag with your kids after school (they will love you even more) or choose a challenging free Youtube workout that will only take 30 minutes. These exercises get your heart rate up and your muscles burning. So, let's take a look at my favorite Youtube trainers, I think you will love them as well.
My Favorite Instructors at Qinetic
Qinetic has their own Youtube channel and offers a variety of different classes to get your body moving. They provide high-quality content and work with different types of instructors. The list would be too long to mention the various workouts and intensity levels they create. You can quickly browse and search through their full video library on their website. They also show you their upcoming (LIVE) schedule and featured classes. There are so many different trainers on Qinetic, and I suggest to try some of them to see who you like most. My to-go-to instructors on Qinetic don't waste any time and practice a little tough love. The duration and the intensity level of their workouts are perfect for what I want to accomplish—work my body hard in a short amount of time. Most of their videos are anywhere between 25 to 35 minutes; although they provide modifications for beginners or intermediate exercisers, they push you through these workouts.
choices1) I love Sarah Kusch at Qinetic. Her exercises are always challenging, but you can easily modify the intensity level by using no dumbells or go heavier. She gives plenty of different types of modifications and focuses on correct form. There is no waste of time or stopping with most of her videos. If you are looking to lose weight, stay in shape, build muscle, Sarah is your friend. When I find one of her new workout videos that I love I always share it on Pinterest!
2) High-intensity interval training classes with Jeff and Stu. I have to be honest I wasn't immediately smitten with this duo. But after a couple of times, you become familiar with their style and their interesting dynamic of teaching—I now love their fitness videos. They have a no-nonsense training approach. They want you to get the best workout and burn the most amount of calories in the shortest amount of time. If you are at a beginner level, you can still enjoy their classes by dropping the weights (or use light weights) and start with building up your strength—I now use 10 pounds dumbells. You will be huffing and puffing afterward. They offer an affordable 60 day Body Transformation Program (at Rippedism) if you are a little bit more serious about maintaining a fit body or need extra help.
I often do these workouts with my husband. Both Sarah, as well as Jeff and Stu's videos, are great to do with your partner or a friend! You can also find Jeff and Stu at XFA Fitness.
Julia Bognar at Gymra
Most of Julia's fitness videos are HIIT fat burning workouts. Her video collection is impressive and has a great mix of beginner level challenges to more intense Fat Burning Tabata workouts (with or without weights). If you are looking for fitness inspiration, she is your trainer. Julia always has these unique and insane combo moves that are perfect for when you quickly get bored. Even her shorter videos are devoted to getting your heart rate up and your muscles working.
Jake DuPree's Toning Classes at PopSugar Fitness
It is impossible to not find an exciting workout of your choice at PopSugar Fitness. Sculpting exercises, Tabata HIIT, fat belly blasting, Pilates, Kickboxing, even a sexy cardio dance vixen workout to challenges for every level, you can find it all at PopSugar Fitness. However, even here I have my favorite instructors and prefer the ones that make your body work extra hard in a short amount of time. Meet—if you haven't already—Jake DuPree. His whole body toning workouts make your muscles burn in a new way, and it is a nice change from the HIIT workouts I mentioned above. I love Jake's sense of humor, and it often helps me through some of his moves. But whether you like the instructor's personality or not, you are still going to love his challenging full-body toning classes. Even if you can't get through it all, don't give up and take a short break. You will get there eventually. If you are serious about strengthening your body, you will appreciate his videos. You will feel the burn, and he makes every minute of your workout count!
Note: both Gymra and PopSugar Fitness offer burning Tabata session from instructor Raneir Pollard. Although I have only recently discovered his workout videos—I am not as familiar with his online fitness content yet—he is starting to become one of my to-go-to home video instructors.
I hope you will enjoy these suggestions. These channels and instructors are inspirational and are part of my HIIT workout collection for those days I can't make it to the gym or can't be active outdoors. Let's get moving!
I regularly share my favorite free home workout videos on Pinterest. Follow my account or my Workout at Home Videos Board to get new updates on my favorites.
Enjoy!
Please note that these exercises are for people who want to take their fitness to the next level. Always consult your physician before starting a new workout regime, or start with a personal trainer if you are a complete beginner and are unsure about using correct form during these exercises.
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Amy says
I hate going to gym, these look like great workouts to do at home ?
Mariska says
Hi Amy,
Let me know if you have a favorite! I hope you will enjoy them!