YouTube creator spotlight: Sydney Cummings Houdyshell

   When I got my first pair of dumbbells, I simply didn't know what to do with them. Without ever been to a gym and a long time exercise hater, I thought dumbbells were used for upper body exercises and not much more. After following random videos without much success, I found a channel that would change my approach to exercise forever.

A video thumbnail from Sydney's channel

  

  Sydney Cummings is a NASM personal trainer with multiple fitness certifications and a passion for coaching. A former high jump athlete a child development studies graduate, Sydney started her YouTube journey in 2017, posting short workout videos with real time instructions. 

 

Sydney's first post on YouTube in 2017

   Her great programming, encouraging coaching technique and easy to follow format quickly helped gather many viewers and subscribers. Unlike most fitness YouTubers at the time, Sydney's videos had little to no editing, having her doing the workout along with the viewer and providing form cues accordingly. Focusing on functional fitness and cardio, the required equipment was minimal, with many earlier workouts only requiring a fitness mat. 

 

A beginner friendly workout only requiring a mat

 

   In August 2018, the first workout challenge by Sydney was uploaded to the channel, providing viewers with a structured program featuring strength training, cardio and stretching. After successfully wrapping up the August challenge, new uploads were scheduled along with the programs. Longer programs became the norm, with daily uploads keeping the viewers engaged. 

 

First workout of the End of Summer Challenge, one of the first full programs on the channel

   In 2019, Sydney uploaded her first Summertime Fine challenge, a yearly staple and some of the best functional fitness free programs on the platform. With a focus on progressive overload for both strength exercises and cardio, these 12 week challenges have helped thousands to keep consistent with their general fitness. With extremely varied programming and Sydney's signature coaching style, all Summertime Fine editions are definitely worth checking out.

Summertime Fine is one of Sydney's most popular programs

    

  Sydney's channel has evolved after becoming a mother, with both workouts and programs becoming shorter to fit into busier schedules. Despite the changes, her coaching style is as encouraging as always, always providing guidance and modifications for beginners and pushing long time viewers to give their best. And unlike most popular fitness YouTubers, all of Sydney's videos remain free and uploaded to YouTube. 

Versatile workouts with creative exercise have become more frequent on the channel

 

  Besides her motivating coaching style, Sydney's emphasis on proper form and flexible programming is refreshing compared to others striving for perfection. The videos have minimal editing, with her doing the same workout alongside you and providing pertinent information and encouragement through every exercise. Most of her recent workouts provide low impact modifications for jumping exercise, occasionally suggesting harder modifications for an extra challenge. 

 

Full impact workouts can be just as effective as regular workouts

  

  Versatility and variety are very present in Sydney's workouts. Most of her programs vaguely follow the push/pull/legs split, also integrating full body workouts, strength and conditioning hybrid workouts and cardio for a more comprehensive approach. Creative workouts based around Pilates, aerobic step, yoga and other exercise disciplines are periodically included in her program, sprinkling some variety into her usual programming. With her flexible approach to functional fitness, Sydney's workouts challenge you to give everything a try.

 

  Sydney's versatility is one of my favorite aspects from her channel

  Why I recommend Sydney Cummings for beginners:

• Fully guided workouts with form cues.
• Warm up and cool down are provided in every video.
• Free full length workout programs available.
• Great structured programming with occasional variety.
• No emphasis on body image or weight talk.
• Creative exercises for functional fitness.
• Comprehensive approach to fitness integrating strength training and cardio.
• Motivating coach with excellent teaching methodology, fully certified.
• Preview of exercises and low impact modifications on screen in newer workouts.
• Clear minimal editing with coach doing the workout alongside the viewer in real time.

  If you want to give Sydney's workouts a try, here's her YouTube channel. In the playlist section, you'll find workouts sorted by equipment, length and muscle group. Programs are also listed on this section, with more information about each program inside the description box of the fist workout. And if you want extra accountability, an exclusive member's group is available for sign up here.

Christmas themed workouts on YouTube: celebrate and stay consistent

   Working out during December can be hard, with chill weather in the North hemisphere and holiday prepping ahead, most people choose to take a break from fitness. Rest and recovery are as important to fitness as exercise itself, thus rewarding yourself with a few off days after a year of consistency is very valid. However, if you need to move your body to let go of your holiday anxiety and unwind, choosing gentle workouts infused with some seasonal joy can feel just right. Without further ado, here's a curated list of fun, creative home workouts to brighten your holidays. I'll also tag the easier workouts as kid and family friendly, in case you want to share the fun with loved ones without being strenuous.

 

Photo by RDNE Stock Project from Pexels

   Dance Workout Under the Christmas Tree by Little Light Dance Workout 

   This fun and easy workout featuring a gorgeous Christmas tree and appropriate music is as joyous as a workout can get. Easy to follow moves and coach Lumilita's contagious smile make this routine a short but sweet choice for moving your body and getting some steps in. Her channel also offers various Christmas themed walk and dance workouts, ranging from hour long to shorter videos, playlist can be found here.

•    No equipment.
•    Low impact. 
•    Written next step cues on screen. 
•    Kid and family friendly.

        Christmas Classics Dance Workout by Kyra Pro

   Newbie to ballet? Don't worry, this follow along routine to classic Christmas songs is beginner friendly and low impact. Get ready to lengthen your limbs and flow gracefully along with Kyra, with slow and controlled moves choreographed to the music. And if you want more Christmas workouts from Kyra, feel free to browse her dedicated playlist, with over twenty themed workouts.

• No equipment.
• Low impact.
• Next move previewed on screen.
• Family and kid friendly. 

        Christmas Combat Walking Workout by Get Fit with Rick

   If you prefer dynamic workouts, this easy interval workout alternates between basic boxing moves and power walking. Get around 2000 steps in under fifteen minutes and challenge your arm coordination with punches and jabs. Paired up with a cute festive background and remixes of Christmas music, this workout will liven up your living room. And if you enjoy Rick's videos, his channel just released a Christmas themed playlist. 

• No equipment.
• Low impact.
• Next move previewed on screen. 
• Family and kid friendly. 

         Christmas Cardio Workout by Caroline Girvan 

   If you want a real Christmas challenge, this workout will surely bring up the heat. With classic cardio moves and some interesting variations, this no rest workout will have you moving non stop for thirty minutes. Make sure to pace yourself and take short rests when needed, you'll feel so accomplished by the end of the workout. 

• Fitness mat required.
• High impact with no modifications.
• Next move previewed onscreen.
• No warm up included.

 

          Full Body Christmas Pilates by Callie Jardine Gualy 

   Pilates can be a great way to get some gentle movement and focus on your body during the busy holidays. In this short routine targeting the full body, classic and contemporary Pilates moves are present to achieve a dynamic flow perfect to those short on time. A short cool down stretch is included too to help unwind by the end of the workout. This video is the first workout of Callie's 12 Days of Pilates Christmas Challenge, you can check out the full playlist here.

• Fitness mat required.
• Low impact.
• Fully guided class with vocal cues.

 

Low Impact Holiday HIIT with Dumbbells by Heather Robertson

   Want to hit the weights during the holidays? This 25 min workout perfectly incorporates light and medium weights to HIIT inspired exercises. Though all moves are technically low impact, this is a high intensity workout that will surely get your heart rate up. While cute Christmas music is not everyone's top pick for workout music, it actually fits the tempo of this workout in particular.

• Light and medium weights, fitness mat are required. 
• Low impact, high intensity. 
• Next move is previewed on screen.
• Includes warm up and cool down.

 

         Happy Holidays Dance Workout by Mike and Sophie 

   A perfect mix of strength training inspired moves with simple dance steps, this workout with light dumbbells is a cool way to keep accustomed to weights while enjoying holiday music. And if you have no dumbbells at home, water bottles or small cans are fitting substitutes to help get that extra burn.

•  Light dumbbells required.
• Low impact.
• Family and kid friendly. 
• Moves are previewed on scree before each choreography.

 

            Christmas Dance Party Workout by Fit and Fab 

 

   Featuring full Christmas decorations, a song by the queen of Christmas Mariah Carey, and a cameo from the Grinch, this video is probably the most festive on this list. The lively choreography brings the party atmosphere, with fun steps matching the beat of the music. Though some of the steps might be a little bit complex, just feel the vibe and move your body as much as you can.

• No equipment.
• Low impact.
• Family and kid friendly. 
• Next move previewed on screen. 

 

   And with this list completed, Couch to Proud wishes you and everyone a Merry Christmas! Whether you choose to try any of these workouts, do your own or take a well deserved rest from exercise, I wish health and happiness to each one of you. Thanks for reading.