Favorite November 2025 workouts on YouTube

   As the holidays approach and the year is coming to an end, keeping consistent with our workout routines gets harder. Thankfully, many great YouTube fitness creators have brought a plethora of challenging and fun videos to help keep their audiences active even at home. Without further ado, here are some of my personal favorites workouts released on this month.

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

  40 min Full Body Pilates Band Workout by Pilates by Izzy:

  Izzy has released many great videos this month but this video requiring only a resistance band is my absolute favorite. By using different band placements to target pretty much every muscle group, this routine is a burner for the entire body. With fully guided instructions and creative variations, you won't be bored for even a second.

• Level: Intermediate to advanced.
• Equipment required: Exercise mat and resistance band.
• Low impact with no modifications.

  The Longevity Plan for Women by Marie Steffen

  

  Marie Steffen is currently one of my favorite creators on the platform, her frequent uploads of challenging low impact routines are a staple in my current routine. In this occasion, Marie has crafted the Longevity Plan for Women, combining mobility exercises with strength training and Pilates with the goal of maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and improving daily mobility. Progressively increasing the difficulty with harder exercises and weights, this workout plan is a great challenge with many benefits.

• Level: Intermediate to advanced.
• Equipment required: Light and medium weights, exercise mat.
• Low impact with few modifications.

   Sweaty Cardio and Strong Core by Sydney Cummings

 

   As a part of her new Pumped program, Sydney has created cardio workouts with a core component for her weekly cardio sessions. In this particular workout alternating fast paced cardio exercises with traditional core moves, isometric holds are used as a finished to every set to maximize muscle fatigue. Light to medium dumbbells are also used to add additional resistance to the core exercises, making this workout a functional approach to core training. 

• Level: All levels.
• Equipment required: Light and medium weights, exercise mat.
• High impact with low impact options.

   Mamma Mia Dance Workout by Kyra Pro

   Fun and short workouts are the best way to get out of a fitness rut. This easy dance choreography uses some of the greatest songs from the Mamma Mia musical as background music. And if you struggle with following choreography, every step is previewed on screen.

• Level: Beginner friendly.
• No equipment.
• Light jumping, can be easily modified.

   Hip-Hop Abs Dance Workout by Kaleila Jordan from PS Fit

  As mentioned in my previous article about standing ab workouts, dancing is an excellent way to connect with your core muscles. In this routine, hip hop steps are combined with standing ab exercises to target the core while moving the hips. Obliques and lower abs will certainly stay active through this fun routine.

• Level: All levels.
• No equipment.
• High and low impact options available.

Standing ab exercises: easy ways to train your core

   One of the things I've constantly struggled with through my entire fitness journey is training my abdominal muscles. I've had an anterior pelvic tilt since I was a child, exacerbated by being mostly sedentary and having poor posture. Crunches and situps were absolutely a nightmare during P.E class, even with assistance. After starting my fitness journey, I avoided workouts with ab specific exercises, planks were also very difficult due to my weak core. Though I kept getting better in terms of overall endurance and strength, my core strength wasn't improving at all, which made me overcompensate in exercises involving the core. For whatever reason, I just felt physically unable of engaging my core.

Photo bt RDNE Stock Project from Pexels

  

   As of late last year, I decided to focus on improving core strength. I've heard many buzzwords about deep core strength and crunches not being ideal, but even beginner core exercises seemed too intimidating. After much browsing without result, I chose a standing ab workout without equipment by Mr and Mrs Muscle.

   This particular workout is short and low impact, so I did it for a few nights while watching TV. I tried to engage my core as best as I could, though I didn't notice much of a difference from similar workouts. Not satisfied with my improvement, I gave mat Pilates a chance, in hopes of connecting with my core muscles once for all. The first few Pilates videos made me realize that I was bracing my abs, but not engaging my core properly. How to embrace the core is thoroughly explained in this detailed short class by Flow with Mira, the importance expanding your diaphragm while breathing is emphasized at the beginning of the video.

  After learning how to properly engage the core muscles and breathe accordingly, standing ab exercises feel far more effective than before. Another important element of standing core workouts is trying to maintain your stability during every move as much as possible. In this workout by coach Denise Austin from the AARP channel, single leg work is present in pretty much every move, helping to target the obliques and the pelvic floor. 

  

  While standing core exercises don't have the same gravity aided resistance as floor exercises, it is possible to add resistance by holding weights. In this workout by Caroline Girvan, light weights are used to challenge both the upper body and the core. Engaging the core while performing weighted exercises is crucial to avoid swaying or wobbling, therefore activating the core muscles. 

  Controlled movement, balancing and stabilization is the key to standing ab workouts. Movement variety is also fairly important, helping to target all the different muscle groups part of the core. This low impact workout by Sydney Cummings is aimed to target all the superficial core muscles and the deep transversus abdominis muscle that provides stabilty to the torso and pelvis. 

  An alternative way to connect with your core while standing is dancing. Dance styles like belly dance and Caribbean Soca often require isolated moves from the waist, thus serving as a fun way to familiarize with your core. This belly dance workout from Leilah Isaac combines regular standing ab exercises with belly isolation movements, teaching basic moves requiring lots of core. 

   Much like Pilates, the emphasis on correct posture and balance from barre makes it a good practice for strengthening your core without lying on the floor. In this short class by Sleek Technique, the importance of engaging the core to perform ballet positions and stable movement of the limbs is the main lesson. The controlled and slow moves of ballet require a fully controlled core.

  If you struggle with traditional ab exercises, I definitely recommend giving standing core workouts a try. Besides being accessible to individuals with spinal issues or postpartum mothers, they're a great way to get to know your core muscles without additional strain. Learning to breathe and engage your core from the pelvic floor up to the upper abs is the main goal, so take it at your own rhythm. If you're ready to progress, add resistance with weights and use progressive overload to elevate the challenge. 

YouTube creator spotlight: EMKFit

   When I started my home workout journey, I was overwhelmed by all the options available. Choosing a workout sometimes took longer than the workout itself, how could I even know if I could complete this video? Battling with mental health issues, I wanted something that could help me feel both physically and mentally better. While I started to enjoy movement by itself, I struggled with consistency. All videos felt the same, just copying the movements as best as I could and trying harder every time. Lacking feedback is a downside of home workouts, and even a little unilateral encouragement or written advice can go far. Even so, many guided workouts on YouTube can feel too overtly positive, to the point of coming off as inauthentic. When I discovered EMKFit, her honesty and strive not for perfection, but for movement were refreshing in an ocean of overpolished videos.

Thumbnail from one of EMKFit's Dua Lipa themed videos

   

  Emily Thorne, a theater school graduate and certified fitness trainer from Canada, has been teaching fitness classes both in studio and online for more than five years. Her YouTube journey began during the Covid pandemic, using the platform and Twitch to broadcast at home no equipment classes for everyone under lockdown. With over 600k subscribers and a loyal following (myself included), her channel is updated every Monday with a new video. 

First HIIT dance video posted on the channel

   During her time as a teacher in a dance studio, Emily created her own HIIT (high intensity interval training) style workouts, as seen in the video above. In the HIIT format, only two moves are choreographed and alternated in short intervals for the entire duration of each song. Unlike traditional dance steps, the HIIT moves are often similar to regular exercises, though with a dancey flair. What makes the HIIT format so successful is that you only need to memorize the specific moves taught beforehand, which is great if you struggle with coordination and following regular choreography. By having short, intense bursts of energy with built in rest, these dance workouts also feel far more doable than following a choreography non stop for an entire class. 

Music for all ages and tastes are featured in the videos

   Emily's raw and unfiltered teaching style is a rarity from fitness YouTubers. Her honesty and sense of humor is very relatable to every newbie to fitness, making working out alone in a room feel far more lively than with a regular peppy instructor. Her emphasis on having fun and prioritizing mental and physical health over body aesthetics is very refreshing, with "Wrong is Strong" being her signature phrase. Low impact modifications are also present in almost all her videos, making the workouts safe and approachable for beginners. Having simple, straightforward moves without the need to learn many steps or keeping up with the rhythm also makes her videos more accessible to those new to dancing or even fitness.

Dance along themed workouts from movie soundtracks and musicals

  Emily's videos often feature music from popular artists, movie soundtracks and musicals. Using current songs and all time classics, there is an option for everyone in her catalogue. Themed videos with curated playlist are also available, ranging from fun party themed HIITs to throwback playlists, great if you struggle with decision fatigue with music. Dirty HIITs are also a big favorite, featuring songs with explicit lyrics and sexier moves than usual. If you want a party in your living room while working out, HIITs are the way to go.

 

The Pilates inspired videos are great if you want the Pilates experience while standing

  Since last year, Emily has been releasing Pilates inspired videos. These all standing workouts include moves from contemporary Pilates and barre, such as lunges, squats and plies, with an emphasis on engaging the core for stability. With a follow along format, these workouts may not be the same as a regular mat Pilates class, but the fun music and standing core work makes it worth your time. 

Get a great burn with minimal equipment while having fun with the light weights videos

  Besides HIIT dance and Pilates, workouts with light weights and kickboxing workouts are available on the channel. Traditional strength training videos can also be found on the strength playlist, with a more functional approach to lifting. No matter the workout style, Emily's great sense of humor and effective instructions are always present to get you through the workout. 

The video that got me into EMKFit

   My fitness routine has constantly changed for the last three years, yet I've always stuck with EMKFit for my weekly fun dance session. I've thoroughly enjoy pretty much every single video of her catalogue, and on Mondays I try to tune in to her weekly update. Even if you're not a beginner anymore, her workouts can be just as intense as regular dance workouts if you keep up with Emily's pace.

   Why I recommend EMKFit for beginners:

• No need to learn full choreography, moves are easy to learn. 
• All standing workout routines with low impact modifications.  
• Built in rest between exercises and songs.
• Huge video catalogue with something for everyone. 
• No emphasis on weight loss and body appearance, just fun and movement.
• No equipment required for most workouts.
• Medium length workouts (15 minutes to 25 minutes), can be combined for a longer workout. Single song workouts are also available.
• Warm up is provided in almost every workout. Additional cool down videos are available.
• Relatable instructor with fun teaching methodology.
• Creative moves in the dance and Pilates workouts.

   If you want to try for yourself, here is a link to her YouTube channel. A playlist to her entire HIIT dance catalogue can be found here, Pilates workouts here and strength workouts are listed here. And for weekly workout livestreams and exclusive videos, her paid Patreon membership is also available for those wanting more.

Favorite October 2025 workouts on YouTube

   October was a hard month for me to keep consistent, I was busy and struggling with fatigue. Instead of following a fitness program, I decided to keep my routine mostly low impact to focus on having fun and moving my body. Even though I didn't have the energy to workout, finding easy workouts to improve my mood kept me active. Without further ado, here are some of my picks and new finds from this month.

Photo by Caley Vanular from Unsplash

   Kpop Dance Workouts by Step Uhm

   Step Uhm began posting dance workouts on the platform just six months ago, but you wouldn't guess that from her engaging titles and song choices. With simple yet functional editing and follow along format, her choreography makes Kpop dancing easy for newbies while staying fun. Unlike most Kpop focused channels, this channel has longer videos and dance medleys from popular groups, definitely a must for fans of the genre.

•    Low impact choreography.
•    Easy to follow for beginners.
•    On screen preview of next move.
•    Great music choices.

   Indoor Walk to Afrobeats by Afrifitness

   Afrifitness is back on YouTube after a long hiatus, bringing new workouts with her signature teaching style. Her recent afrobeats infused walking workouts are a great middle ground between walking workouts and dance, mixing marching in place with African dance inspired moves. Getting your steps in can be monotonous, so these workouts are a fun way to keep active while having fun.

•    Low impact routines.
•    Easy to follow for beginners.
•    Positive teaching style with cues.
•    Unique dance moves.

   Sports Cardio and Abs for Everyone by Sydney Cummings

  This fully guided sports themed workout is proof that everyone can be an athlete. With fun cardio movements inspired by all types of sport, proving that functional fitness can be entertaining too. If you've never played any sports: don't worry, exercises are accesible and easily modifiable for every need. Sydney's motivational talks are also present on this video, helping to encourage you through the entire routine.

•    Low impact modifications are provided.
•    Positive teaching style with cues.
•    Diverse exercises targeting the full body.
•    Unique take on functional fitness.

   Hourglass Program by Olivia Lawson

    Focusing on body recomposition, this six week program has a comprehensive approach to fitness, with strength workouts paired with Pilates inspired sessions and low impact cardio. If you want to try strength training with some variety, Hourglass is a perfect way to start your journey. I especially love Olivia's standing workouts for their accessibility if you struggle with spinal issues. The Hourglass program is still ongoing and can be found here.

•    Low impact cardio and strength training routines.
•    Clear editing with next exercise previewed on screen.
•    Diverse workouts thorough the program.
•    Many all standing routines available.

 ARC I Workout Program by Gains by Brains  

  Sophie from Gains by Brains has been releasing her first free program on her YouTube channel. Consisting of one functional day, one lower body session, two ab sessions and one cardio session per week, this program is focused on helping reaching aesthetic and muscle building goals by body recomposition. Many sessions require no equipment, so it's a great way to stay consistent without needing weights. The ARC I program is still ongoing and can be found here.

•    Comprehensive approach to fitness with increasing difficulty.
•    Clear editing with next exercise previewed on screen.
•    Many no equipment workouts available, ideal for traveling.
•    Focus on strengthening the core with deep core exercises. 

Upper Body and Core Workout with Weights by Marie Steffen

   Marie's low impact workouts have quickly become one of my favorites. Only requiring a pair of light dumbbells and a mat, this workout can feel just as effective as a regular lifting day. Seamlessly integrating strength training with Pilates and yoga inspired moves, the core is working overtime in this seemingly simple routine.

•    Low impact, high intensity moves to test coordination and stability.
•    Clear editing with written cues and next exercise previewed on screen.
•    Minimal equipment.
•    Creative compound moves to engage the target areas.

  The "Wobbly" Workout for a Solid Core by Flow with Mira 

   If you want to challenge your core and stability in a non traditional way, this workout uses a yoga block and a Pilates ball to test your balance and force your core to activate. By creating an unstable foundation, dormant deep core muscles are activated to compensate, something that regular abs exercises won't achieve. The emphasis on mind body connection is important too, using these simple props to awaken the connection to your muscles. 

•   Low impact workout.

  Fully guided with vocal cues.
  

•  Minimal props easily replaced at home (block can be replaced by a thick book and the ball can be a small pillow or plushie)
•   Easily engage deep core without crunches.
•   Creative use of props.

 Morning Mobility: Start your day right by Julia Reppel

  These days I love to train mobility at the end of my workouts and Julia's sessions are some of favorites. This recent 20 minute routine is excellent to start the day and release all the stiffness from sleeping. Follow along soft yet precise movements to awaken the muscles and open up the hips and back, feel dynamic and renewed by the end of the video.

•   Low impact routine.
•   Clear editing with next move previewed on screen.
•   Dynamic movements for full body mobility.
•   Easy to follow for beginners.