Staying home a lot these days? Gym closed? Yeah, me too.
I sit at a computer a lot, so my regular exercise regimen is essential to my physical/mental health, as well as to my marriage! Physical health is mental health. They are one.
Turns out, there are a LOT of great exercise resources/videos online, especially on YouTube. The ones that made my list require little or no equipment and are taught by excellent fitness instructors who know their stuff.
Take a look through my list of the best online exercise classes. Many are totally free and can be done at home, in a modestly-sized space with no exercise toys. I hope these resources help you get a great a workout done everday, in just a few minutes. So breath, stretch, lift and spend your namastay-home time wisely!
Many thanks to Eileen, for some of these great resources!
ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES
SweatConnected.com
Each sweatconnected instructor brings their signature method directly to you, wherever you are in the world via Zoom. Whether you have been a group fitness participant for years, or are brand new to group fitness, you will be at home with sweatconnected and their growing community. All levels, all ages, all sizes, all humans. Also one of our clients!
SweatConnected
Fitness Blender
Fitness Blender offers hundreds of free workout videos ranging in difficulty, length, and body focus.
YouTube
YMCA 360: Your Virtual YMCA
YMCA 360 is an “on-demand” healthy living network. The YouTube channel offers several 15-minute workout routines.
YouTube
If you’re a member of my gym, the South Orange Family YMCA, in Monroe NY, you might enjoy seeing some staff-made videos on their Facebook page.
SOFY Facebook Videos
Pop Sugar
Feels a little plastic, and they smile way too much, but solid exercise programs that are very easy to follow. Great resource for all types of exercise and all levels of exercisers.
YouTube
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is one of the country’s largest chain gyms. It is offering free online classes for two weeks, starting March 16. The daily 20 minute workout does not require any equipment.
YouTube
Sweaty Betty
This resource offers wonderful online classes that are full of easy exercises to do at home. Sweaty Betty provides yoga workouts, HIIT routines, and many other types for you to try.
YouTube
Les Mills
Les Mills is offering free classes on their streaming platform, LES MILLS on Demand. Over 800 on-demand videos for home workouts. They are doing a 2 week free trial. Excellent opportunity.
YouTube
DDB Fitness
Pardon a proud Mama moment, but my NASM certified personal trainer daughter Danielle, of DDB Fitness, has some great easy to follow videos.
Website
Pamela Reif
Full body workout with no equipment. Well designed and fun. Not for beginners.
You Tube
Zumba 30-Minute Class
Try the total-body workout where every move is synced to a beat. This 30-minute class is just a preview of what you’ll experience in a 60-minute live class. Always wanted to try Zumba? Try This!
YouTube
30-Minute HIIT Cardio Workout
Another full body workout using with no equipment. Well designed and fun. Not for beginners.
YouTube
BodyFit by Amy
No matter what kind of workout you’re looking for, you can find it here. Amy has been a personal trainer for over 15 years and shares videos for various kinds of weights and equipment, plus at-home workouts and even prenatal sequences.
YouTube
YOGA
Down Dog
Down Dog maintains a yoga channel and app that offer excellent yoga instruction. Free until April 1. Students and K-12 teachers have free access until July 1.
YouTube
Yoga Girl
Rachel Brathen is a force in the yoga community. She has one of the most-followed yoga accounts on Instagram, and she’s also a best-selling author and philanthropist.
YouTube
Yoga With Adriene
Amazing 30 day yoga progression. I recommend you start with day one, an orientation video offering tips and support as you prepare for 30 Days of yoga. Clear, simple instruction. Love her vibe and her dog!
You Tube: https://youtu.be/KWBfQjuwp4E
YouTube Channel
MEDITATION
Meditation With Adriene
This excellent video features mediation for anxiety. Because who is not a wee bit anxious these days.
YouTube
Lizzy Hill:
Yoga nidra is the ultimate relaxation technique for releasing stress and tension held in your body. Experience a deep level of relaxation, with this easy to follow meditation and allow your body to restore and balance itself.
YouTube
FIT OVER 50
Silver Sneakers
Exercises to improve your ability to change direction and speed, helping you keep up with life.
YouTube
KIDS
Stretch and Grow of the Rockies
“Brain Breaks” is a health and wellness enrichment company that teaches children age-appropriate fitness and yoga routines. These daily “Brain Breaks” include a 10-minute video of yoga poses, breathing techniques, and exercises.
YouTube
Cosmic Kids
It’s true that it looks a little like Teletubbies, but it’s pretty solid info and exercises. Features yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed especially for kids aged 3+, used in schools and homes all over the world.
YouTube
SEATED/WHEELCHAIR EXERCISE
This Kaiser Permanente
This video is designed specifically for those who benefit from seated exercise. The video offers both aerobic and resistance/strength training exercises and includes safety tips and other guides for an effective workout for better health.
YouTube
