Top YouTube Workouts for Home Fitness

You can do them at home, they’re quick, and they don't cost a thing—the best YouTube workouts are precious resources.

Whether you favor comprehensive workouts, intense HIIT sessions, walking exercises, or enjoy yoga for relaxation, resistance training, or meditation, YouTube offers millions of workouts ready to stream.

There’s a session for everyone, approved by personal trainers.

With shorter days and longer nights now here, it’s a perfect time to try them out.

“Venturing out when it's dark may not only seem uninviting—the sofa can be very tempting—but for many, particularly women, it can feel unsafe,” explains Hollie Grant, founder of Pilates PT.

“When the nights close in, fitting outdoor workouts (like running) around work or family can be tough.”

Add the high cost of premium classes, and it's easy to skip exercise. That’s where free YouTube workouts excel. “Home workouts allow you to stay active in the comfort and safety of your home,” Grant adds.

To help you find excellent YouTube workouts, we’ve consulted fitness experts and personal trainers to learn their favorite on-demand classes for when motivation is low. Keep reading to find workouts worth trying.

While you're here, check out guides for simple home workouts, beginner home workouts, and the best exercises for home workouts. Looking to boost strength?

Check out the best at-home strength training workouts. Are you a Joe Wicks fan? Explore the top Joe Wicks YouTube workouts you can do without a gym, which will enhance both your fitness and fun factor.

The Ultimate Guide to the Best YouTube Workouts, Chosen by Top Trainers

Who Offers the Best YouTube Workouts?

This is akin to asking, "How long is a piece of string?" One of the great things about YouTube workouts is the ability to find expert-led classes that cater to your mood and style preferences, regardless of how they change day-to-day.

From 10-minute somatic Pilates sessions to 30-minute lower body-focused classes aimed at building your glutes, the best YouTube workouts are easy to follow, led by qualified experts, and enjoyable.

PT Aimee Victoria Long especially recommends Alo Moves' YouTube workouts. "They mostly focus on yoga and barre, but they're high quality, easy to follow, and the instructors are excellent," she says.

Are Joe Wicks’ Workouts Worth It?

Joe Wicks is a go-to name for free home workouts. We’re big fans of the British fitness coach and his online classes—we even wrote an article rounding up the best Joe Wicks YouTube workouts.

There’s a reason he’s so popular. Wicks’ workouts are expert-led, straightforward, highly effective, and free to do at home (or even on vacation if you’re taking your routine on the road).

"Joe Wicks has fantastic energy, which many find motivating," Long mentions. "He also caters to all fitness levels, with great workouts for beginners, intermediates, and advanced individuals."

Since his rise to fame in 2014, Wicks earned an MBE for his services to fitness and charity in the UK and abroad. If you're eager to try classes from an award-winning trainer, check out Wicks' top videos.

What’s the Best Free Online Workout Program?

That depends on you and your fitness objectives. The best free online program for one person may not be ideal for another.

"The Sweat app [by Kayla Itsines, with over 15 million followers] offers superb free workout programs to follow," Long suggests. "You can tailor workouts to your goals, there's community support, and it includes nutrition guidance."

Whether you like low-intensity workouts, HIIT, resistance training, strength training, or a combination, there are hundreds of free workout programs available through apps like Nike Training Club or YouTube.

Want to make your home workouts more effective? Our expert-led guide can help.

Top YouTube Workouts to Try at Home, According to Top Trainers

Best YouTube Pilates Workouts

1. 30-Minute Pilates for Beginners by Move with Nicole
   
   

• What? Move with Nicole, aka Nicole McPherson, is an Australian fitness instructor known for her extensive list of Pilates workouts.
  
  
• Why? “This workout is great for beginners and doesn’t require equipment,” explains Nordic Balance personal trainer, Ezgi Santos. Plus, it’s a full-body session targeting every muscle.
  
  
• Duration: 30 minutes.
  
  

2. Pilates Workout for Runners by Hollie Grant
   
   

• What? This Pilates-style workout boosts strength and prevents injuries by focusing on glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors.
  
  
• Why? “I created this Pilates routine for runners,” Grant shares. “It’s informative, equipment-free, and insightful about Pilates benefits.”
  
  
• Duration: 20 minutes.
  
  

Best YouTube Strength Workouts

1. Heather Robertson's Full-Body Strength Workout
   
   

• What? Led by Heather Robertson, this high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) session emphasizes form over rep quantity.
  
  
• Why? “Full-body strength training using dumbbells only,” adds Santos. Resistance bands, kettlebells, or body weight can also be used.
  
  
• Duration: 45 minutes.
  
  

2. 30-Minute Strength Workout for Beginners and Seniors
   
   

• What? A strength workout suitable for beginners and seniors, requiring just an exercise mat and dumbbells.
  
  
• Why? “This workout is not only for beginners but also for older people,” Long says. “It’s simple yet challenging, with balance movements crucial for aging well.”
  
  
• Duration: 30 minutes.
  
  

Best YouTube Bodyweight Workouts

1. Anna Engelschall's 25-Minute Full-Body Beginner Workout
   
   

• What? Want a workout using just bodyweight? Certified PT Anna Engelschall provides guidance.
• Why? “A full-body, bodyweight workout," Santos notes. "Exercises can be adapted to your level.”
• Duration: 25 minutes.
  
  

2. Kayla Itsines 28-Minute Full Body Beginner Workout
   
   

• What? Australian PT Kayla Itsines leads this full-body workout divided into four circuits.
  
  
• Why? “This visual workout is perfect for beginners,” Grant says. “Kayla’s technique is excellent, though a voiceover for cues would be beneficial.”
  
  
• Duration: 28 minutes.
  
  

3. Joe Wicks' 15-Minute Bodyweight Workout
   
   

• What? Beginner-friendly exercises like lunges, squats, and jogs on the spot make up this entry-level workout.
  
  
• Why? “Joe Wicks offers motivating, energy-filled workouts,” Long says. “Short sessions prevent daunting feelings for beginners, maintaining proper form.”
  
  
• Duration: 15 minutes.
  
  

Best YouTube Resistance Band Workouts

1. Caroline Girvan's 15-Minute Full Body Band Workout
   
   

• What? With over a million views, certified PT Caroline Girvan teaches effective resistance band use.
  
  
• Why? “Resistance bands offer varied strength levels,” Santos explains, allowing customization for any fitness level.
  
  
• Duration: 15 minutes.
  
  

2. Hollie Grant's Full Body Resistance Band Workout
   
   

• What? A Pilates-style workout utilizing a light-to-medium resistance band.
  
  
• Why? Provides cues, options, and guidance for each exercise, educating about body mechanics while delivering a muscle burn," Grant states.
  
  
• Duration: 45 minutes.
  
  

Best YouTube Walking Workouts

1. 20-Minute Walking Workout
   
   

• What? Indoor walking workouts increase step count without battling poor UK weather.
  
  
• Why? “Ideal for seniors and beginners, with about 2400 steps in the video,” Santos mentions.
  
  
• Duration: 20 minutes.
  
  

Best YouTube Yoga Workouts

1. 20-Minute Yoga with Adrienne Workout for Beginners
   
   

• What? Perfect for beginner yogis, this class covers breathing techniques and basic moves like cat/cow and downward dog.
  
  
• Why? “Adrienne’s teaching style is beloved—calm, positive, and insightful for fundamental understanding," Grant says.
  
  
• Duration: 20 minutes.
  
  

Shop MC UK's Essential At-Home Workout Gear

CFX Resistance Bands 3 Sets

Available for £12.90 on Amazon, these looped bands are made from high-quality cotton and offer a comfortable fit. They're perfect for intensifying any home workout and have earned the Amazon Choice label.

Sweaty Betty Power Leggings

Priced at £88 on Sweaty Betty, these leggings ensure you smoothly transition from one home workout to the next. They feature sweat-wicking material, a soft feel, and quick-drying capabilities—everything your home workout could ask for.

lululemon The Mat

This yoga mat, available for £88 at lululemon, is highly praised for its comfort and cushioning. With a thickness of five inches, it provides excellent joint protection during home sessions and is easy to clean. It's a top pick for Team MC UK.

Are YouTube Workouts Effective?

According to Hollie Grant, founder of Pilates PT, the global pandemic proved that you can access some of the world's leading fitness experts from home for free, offering as much value as studio classes.

YouTube workouts offer numerous benefits—they save time and money, provide flexibility, and can fit around your work and family schedule. "And if your instructor is qualified and experienced, you're in safe hands," says Grant.

Source: marieclaire

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.