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.