Why workout at the gym when you can workout at home?

November 23, 2023 | Montréal, Québec

It turns out the pandemic taught me a thing or two about staying fit, and one of my major takeaways was that I don't need a gym to stay physically active. Forget the fancy equipment; all I need is my trusty yoga mat, a water bottle, a TV screen, and running shoes. YouTube became my sweat sanctuary. No kidding, I'm talking about solid, sweaty, and downright intense workouts—all without stepping out to go to the gym. 

I've got a bunch of go-to YouTube channels that I've been vibing with for years. Here's my top 10 faves:

1. Blogilates - Cardio and pilates workouts

2. Fitness Blender - Cardio and strength

3. MadFit - Cardio, dance, and strength

4. Yoga with Adriene - Yoga and flexibility

5. Tom Merrick - Flexibility and strength

6. POPSUGAR Fitness - A little bit of everything

7. Natacha Oceane - Cardio and strength

8. Body Project - Low impact cardio

9. STRONG Nation - High-intensity Zumba

10. Krissy Cela - Strength and cardio

Working out at home is a game-changer because it saves time and, for the winter months, there is no need to wait in the cold for the bus to get your workout in. You can wear whatever you want, and let’s be real, wearing pyjamas while doing yoga is the way to go. And, the best part, training at home is FREE. 

If you’re still missing the feeling of group fitness classes, consider signing up for virtual workout groups. I’ve attended weekly Zumba classes with Zoom, and it was pretty cool to dance with everyone, even if we were all in our living rooms at home.

Your Wellness Liaison,

Abby

P.S. If you have any fitness channels that you would add to my list, DM me on Instagram and I will gladly take a look! (And of course, try their workouts!) @abbigail.whitcher

May this list of YouTube channels give you many options to choose from to get active from home! I’ve used each of these channels many times, and they have made my workouts fun and keep me accountable because, in all honesty, working out from home has its challenges. But having a virtual coach, thanks to fitness YouTubers, helps a ton to gain the necessary motivation to accomplish a workout.

Main Photo Credit: Abbigail Whitcher, Made with Canva.

Author
Abbigail Whitcher
Physical Wellness Liaison (Montréal, Québec)
for Y4Y Québec
Instagram: abbigail.whitcher