In March, hearing the phrase “Quarantine 15” was a one-way ticket to a quick laugh. Now, it’s not quite as funny as it once was. With exercise classes and child-care facilities being off-limits for so long, combined with work schedules going off the rails, exercise classes are not as accessible as they once were. Without a dedicated space and distraction-free blocks of time in one’s home, creating a productive workout environment can be a real struggle.
Yes, we could always wake up, hit the floor, and pump out some push ups or sit ups. Yes, we could wake up at dark-thirty, throw on our sneakers and run to the end of our block and back a few times, but let’s be real: that’s boring. We want to move to music, shake things up, and do something different. That’s what makes it fun and exciting and keeps us coming back for more!
Read More: Why Moms Need Exercise
It’s not easy to work out from home if you’re just starting out. There are so many options online, and it’s hard to know where to start. Furthermore, starting off an exercise routine without a teacher to help you understand if you are performing an exercise correctly or incorrectly can end in sore muscles or even an injury.
If you have been looking for a way to experience quality exercise classes from the comfort of your own home, look no further. Thanks to the modern marvel that is the internet, we have access to hundreds of creators with limitless content. Some content is good, some is not, but thanks to an excess of free time allotted to me by the pandemic, I have done the searching for you. With a little bit of imagination and some dedicated time and space, you can have a successful workout in-home without paying a dime.
Here are my top 5 favorite free channels that will help you feel like you are participating in top-notch exercise classes and provide you with real results.
Read More: 23 Ways To Stay Active During Covid-19
- Yoga With Adriene
First up on the list is Yoga With Adriene. Adriene explains everything you will need to know to experience her exercise classes fully. She takes time to explain everything that inexperienced yogis may not understand without judgment. Her channel offers different playlists that focus on different levels and different experiences, so the user can have a gentle but honest introduction to yoga, or have an intense power session. Yoga With Adriene has something for everyone. - Chloe Ting
Chloe Ting is viral and well-known mostly for her 2-week shred challenges that are sure to get you a flat tummy. Well, I don’t believe in timed challenges that give REAL results because A) real change takes real dedication, and B) real fitness takes time. BUT-the content that Chloe Ting brings to the table is easily accessed and anyone can do it. She modifies her moves and everything is timed perfectly with little to no rest time. She is on this list because her exercise classes give a great workout in a short amount of time. Anyone can successfully complete them, no matter how busy life gets. - Body Project
This program is designed to include a variety of exercises, from HIIT to Yoga. The exercise classes are free to all and accessible to all ages and experience levels. - MadFit
MadFit shares real at-home exercise classes, gym workouts, and anything else related to fitness. Her goal is to help inspire everyone at all fitness levels to get up, get moving and reach their goals! - Zumba
Yes! Zumba has free content online! While attending Zumba exercise classes is fun because of the dance party-feel, it’s still a great way to move and get sweaty in your living room to some really fun music.
Getting Started
One of the hardest parts about in-home exercise classes is finding a dedicated space and creating time to achieve your goals. How much space will you need? How much time can you spare? Once you answer these questions, you’re almost ready to begin.
I found that the easiest way for me to find out how much space I needed for exercise classes was to see if I could do a jumping jack. When I decided to try yoga, I learned how much floor space I’d need by laying on the floor with my hands above my head. If I could do those two things, I had more than enough space for any exercise classes I chose to stream.
Whether you are doing yoga or not, you’ll want an exercise mat. If you have hard floors, or you’re exercising outside on concrete, you’ll want to make sure you have a soft landing to protect your joints and skin. If you have carpet, you’ll want the mat to protect your carpet from your sweat.
Make safe choices. If you live alone, it’s not a good idea to start lifting weights. If you’ve never done Yoga before, don’t start with crow position. Be honest about your fitness level and find video exercise classes that will honor your body, not injure it.
Grab your gear. You don’t have to have brand-name shoes, bras, or even a set of weights. Fill up empty water bottles with sand or rice and you have a pair of dumbbells. Need heavier weights? Save your milk jugs and get to filling! You’re exercising at home, so double up on an old bra and wear your coziest t-shirt. There is no one to impress with your gear and there’s no need to invest in anything fancy. Use what you have and you’ll have everything you need.
Streaming exercise classes at home can be challenging because of our distractions, but if we are really intentional about using our home space to work with our bodies on our journey to health, real and lasting changes can be made that will ultimately benefit our health and help us achieve our fitness goals!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on 10+ Playground Exercises For Moms.
