Showing posts with label Beginner fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beginner fitness. Show all posts

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.

Mobility training: improve your daily movement and joint health

   Our daily movement, from simply walking to laying down to sleep, is dependent on many factors. Joints, muscles, tendons, articulations and many other body parts are cogs in the mechanism of every day tasks that we call mobility. Mobility is essential not only for athletes, but for pretty much every person, allowing to perform all sorts of activities ranging from basic to very complex. Being able to move in a certain range of motion without pain is what mobility is about. 

Photo by Miriam Alonso from Pexels

  Maintaining muscle mass, bone density and healthy joints is vital to mobility. Issues like sedentarism, obesity, neurological disorders and other illnesses can reduce and even impair our natural mobility. Aging is also an important factor that can impact mobility, with drastic reductions in people over 65 due to age-related impairments like osteoporosis, lower energy efficiency and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass). Inflammation related chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis are also detrimental to joint and articulation health, therefore severely affecting overall mobility. 

  Though there are many external factors that can affect and reduce mobility, keeping ourselves active with adequate exercise that suits our needs is one of the best ways to minimize the natural loss of mobility due to sedentarism and aging. Repeatedly moving the joints in a determined range of motion or holding a certain position essentially is what mobility exercises are. The main difference between mobility and stretching is that the latter is based solely on elongating the muscles, while mobility is focused on joint range of motion and overall movement of the body. Muscle control is also a key factor in improving mobility, due to the important role they play in stability and movement. In summary, mobility exercises are made to protect and maintain every element in the body that's involved in the movement process.

   Flexibility, stability, coordination and range of motion are the main pillars of mobility, therefore exercises which train these abilities can also be considered as mobility training. However, unless you're very active or an athlete, the majority of people do not meet the required daily exercise quota to upkeep mobility. Staying still in a sitting position for hours during work and other activities is also detrimental to mobility, making joints stiffer and muscles underactive. Therefore, performing exercises daily that help keeping the joints active is the way to keep their healthy function. 
 
   Mobility training can come in many forms, with practices like yoga, Pilates, calisthenics and functional exercises being some of the most adequate due to their varied patterns of movement. Complementing other forms of movement with additional mobility work is also excellent to maintain your overall fitness and avoiding injury. Most specialized mobility workouts use CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations), which involve strong and controlled exercises focusing on the rotation of the joint in all planes of movement. CARs also target the muscles, activating during the movement for stabilization and depth of motion. This method is low impact and easily modifiable, making it suitable to people of all ages and fitness levels.
 
   Training mobility is not only important for your daily movement, but also can help to improve your exercise and sports performance. Having healthy joints and strong muscle engagement will improve your range of motion and makes recovery faster. So, if you're interested in complementing your training or just trying mobility workouts, here are a few great options on YouTube. For most of these workouts, the only equipment you'll need is a non slip mat and the occasional yoga block.

   Mobility by Julia Reppel 

A full body CARs routine for the entire body

  Julia's channel is one of the most popular channels specialized on mobility on YouTube for a reason. With a degree on sport sciences and a passion for many types of movement, Julia uses her scientific knowledge and experience as an athlete to create mobility workouts for all needs. Her concise editing, excellent programming and constant updates make her channel a must for everyone interested in mobility. The only downsize is that most of her workouts have no voice over, though on screen instructions are very clear and modifications are provided in every workout.

  EDR Fitness

A hip mobility routine to open your hips in just ten minutes

  EDR Fitness is another channel focused on mobility, run by trainer Michael from Canada. Fully guided mobility routines are available on the channel, no voiceover options are also there if that's your preference. With workouts for every occasion and fitness level, this channel also offers a few programs if you want to advance in your mobility journey. Weighted mobility routines are available if you want to take your training to a new level too. New videos are posted weekly so it's a great choice if you want lots of variety.

 The Limber Coach 

A creative routine with modifications for all levels

  The Limber Coach is a channel focused on mobility and flexibility, with follow along workout routines aimed at everyone. With clever editing including the target muscles and on screen exercise previews, familiarizing with the moves is fairly simple. Most of their workouts are made to improve everyday movement, some targeted routines focusing on specific areas like the spine. Most routines have no voiceover, though some that are voice guided with simple instructions.

   FLEXFORM by Shan 

Activate your entire body with this dynamic flow

  Shan is a aerialist and flexibility coach from Australia. Though her channel is fairly new and does not have as many videos as others on this list, her high quality content definitely stands out. With fully guided routines filmed in real time, her routines range from all levels to split and backbend prep. Her in depth breakdown of every move and cues are great if you're a beginner to mobility, or if you simply prefer not looking at the screen every few seconds.

  Alex Murphy 

Target your inner hip mobility with this full length routine

  Alex Murphy is a Canadian physical therapist and mobility specialist. A passionate coach, Alex uses her channel to educate about mobility and post follow along workouts. In depth videos focusing on specific joints and mobility issues are some of her best content, carefully explaining the biomechanics of every move. Her follow along routines are filmed in real time and fully guided, with routines for all levels and even for specific needs like hip and shoulder flexibility. 

My favorite Halloween themed workouts on YouTube

   Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. I love costumes, horror movies and overall fun vibe of the season. Daily workouts are no exception, so I really look forward for all the themed workouts released during this month. Implementing spooky music, costumes and even monster inspired moves; these videos are a great way to keep consistent during October while having lots of fun. Without further ado, here are some of my favorite Halloween workouts on the platform.

Photo by dada_design from Unsplash

 Hot Girl Halloween: The Ultimate Halloween Dance Workout by And8Fitness

   
   This fun workout to the beat of Halloween classics like Thriller and Monster Mash is a treat for all dance lovers. The intense choreography inspired by the iconic music videos will make you sweat while having fun. Other unconventional but spot on music choices like Everybody by the Backstreet Boys are also a nice addition. to the video.
  • No equipment required.
  • High impact, modifications are provided in a separate choreography breakdown video.
  • No onscreen preview.
  • No warm up and cool down included.

   Spooktacular Halloween Cardio Dance Sweat Session by Up to the Beat Fit
   
   
  This thrilling dance workout is a wonderful option for beginners and the entire family. Featuring classic Halloween hits like Ghostbusters and contemporary hits like Disturbia by Rihanna, this playlist is a nice mix for all age groups. The simple choreography is also easy to follow, making this video a good pick even if you're not much of a dancer.
  • Beginner friendly.
  • No equipment required.
  • Low impact.
  • No onscreen preview.
  • Warm up and cool down are provided.

   Dance and Walk by Moves with Molly

    
   With theatrical moves inspired by the music, this workout will definitely get you in a spooky mood while getting your steps in. Workout to modern hits by Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eillish, a refreshing change from most Halloween playlists. But do not fret, a Thriller remix by Steve Aoki is also included at the end. The steps might not be too easy to follow, but it is a fun challenge for Halloween.
  • All levels.
  • No equipment required.
  • Low impact.
  • No onscreen preview.
  • Warm up and cool down are included.

  Pop Punk Halloween Boxing Workout by Kyra Pro
   

   If you prefer to punch zombies instead of dancing with them, this workout is for you. With easy to follow boxing to the beat of classic 2000s bands, punching and kicking has never been cooler. And the best part? Every move is low impact but do not underestimate the intensity.
  • All levels.
  • No equipment required.
  • Low impact, high intensity moves.
  • Onscreen preview of next move.
  • No warm up and cool down included.

  Military Halloween Workout-Intense Cardio by Tara's Body

   This intense workout will make you feel like you can fight any monster or ghost around. Including intense bodyweight movements like bear crawls, jumping jacks and more; prepare to challenge your endurance with every move. Some kickboxing moves are present in the workout too, so feel free to channel your favorite warrior.
  • Intermediate to advanced.
  • No equipment required.
  • High impact, has a floor segment.
  • No onscreen preview of next move.
  • Instructions in French.
  • Warm up and cool down are included.

  20 Min Halloween HIIT by GrowingAnnanas

   Just simple makeup, fitting music and on theme exercise names are enough to make this routine a great choice for spooky cardio lovers. Classic bodyweight exercises like squats and planks are very present, with added variety to spice things up. An excellent choice for a quick burner before trick or treating.
  • Intermediate to advanced.
  • Exercise mat required.
  • High impact, has modifications for harder exercises.
  • Next move is previewed on screen.
  • Warm up is provided, no cool down at the end.

   Zombie Halloween Pilates by EMKFit

   Pilates might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Halloween, but EMKFit somehow makes it work. This all standing routine mixes Pilates with bodyweight moves, with a follow along choreography to spooky songs. You might feel as wobbly as a zombie with all the balancing work, but it's a fun way to exercise during this season.
  • Beginner friendly.
  • No equipment required, optional ankle and wrists weights.
  • Low impact.
  • No on screen preview.
  • Warm up is provided, no cool down at the end.

   Power Walk Aerobics with Dumbbells by Paul Eugene

   This beginner friendly long workout is a great way stay consistent during the holiday while getting your steps in. Paul uses light weights for a section of the workout to add resistance to the upper body, the energetic music and encouraging instructions will keep you engaged during the workout.
  • Beginner friendly.
  • Light dumbbells or water bottles required.
  • Low impact.
  • No onscreen preview.
  • Warm up and cool down are provided.

   Zombie Step Aerobics by Jenny Ford Fitness


    A zombie themed aerobic step workout is one of the funniest I've ever encountered. Shot with ghostly makeup at night with zombies in the background, this is by far the best themed video on this list. The actual workout is also great, with powerful moves mimicking zombies and mummies walking. 
  • Intermediate workout.
  • Aerobic step required.
  • Low impact.
  • No onscreen preview.
  • Warm up and cool down are provided.

   Halloween Inspired Full Body Workout by Sharona's Hill


   If you love roleplaying and monster movies, this workout is your best choice for Halloween day. With bodyweight moves inspired by classic monsters and more, this full body routine targets the entire body with effective moves with a spooky flair. Every move is low impact and doable for beginners, so don't be scared to try it.
  • Beginner friendly.
  • Fitness mat required.
  • Low impact.
  • Moves are previewed on screen.
  • No warm up and cool down are provided.

   Frightful Dumbbell Cardio HIIT by Caroline Girvan 

   This workout isn't too Halloween themed but you definitely should be afraid. With little rest and fast paced workout intervals, your heart rate will spike more than with any horror movie. Adding dumbbells adds an extra challenge, testing your endurance to the max with burpee variants and renegade rows. 
  • Intermediate/advanced workout.
  • Fitness mat and light dumbbells are required.
  • High impact with no modifications.
  • Exercises are previewed on screen.
  • No warm up is provided, cool down at the end.

Favorite September 2025 workouts on YouTube

   September is a great month to get back in track with your fitness routine or start new habits. As many people return from summer break, many instructors have taken the opportunity to release new content for everyone returning to their regular routines. Here are some of my personal favorites uploaded this month, with awaited returns and exciting new routines being the main highlight.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

    Caroline Girvan - Leg Day from Iron Pro Day One 

 
Caroline Girvan is back with a demo of her app program 

    Caroline Girvan, one of the most respected strength training instructors on the platform is back on YouTube to celebrate reaching four million subscribers. Even in this celebratory video, her routines are as a tough as ever with this heavy leg day sequence. With longer rest times than previous routines, this workout in particular is centered on pushing the lower body to the max with progressive overload and increased range of motion. With her signature polished aesthetic and on screen tips, this video is definitely her highest quality upload to date.

   The full Iron Pro program is exclusively available on her CGX app; if you prefer a free option the original Iron Series is an excellent choice.

   Equipment needed: At least two sets of heavier weights or a barbell. Optional bench for unilateral Romanian deadlifts and wedge/yoga block for elevating the heels.

   Workout duration: 40 minutes, no warm up included. Sets of 45 seconds followed by one minute rest.

    Sydney Cummings - BOLD Program


 The BOLD program is a great choice for those looking to get back on track
 
  Sydney Cummings, one of my personal favorite trainers on YouTube, is back from maternity leave with the BOLD program. Consisting of twenty workouts, this comprehensive program is a thorough approach to fitness. With strength training and cardio focused sessions full with varied exercises, the workouts fly by quickly along with Sydney's signature teaching style. The cardio sessions with light weights were definitely my favorite, helping me with endurance during 5K race prep. While this program might not be ideal for muscle hypertrophy, it is a great way to get back on track with a more functional focus on fitness.

   You can find the complete BOLD program playlist in this link

  Equipment needed: Light and heavier weights, fitness mat and resistance bands. Optional equipment: aerobic step, bench for step ups, jump rope.

    Workout duration: From thirty to forty minutes. Warm up and cool down are included in the workouts. Five workouts and two rest days per week, for a total of thirty days.

   Tara's Body - Fun Cardio Step Workout

Have fun and sweat tons with this great Soca step routine

   Tara is one of the top dance instructors on the platform, now back with a choreographed aerobic step routine to Soca music. This high energy workout will surely get your heart pumping, combining traditional step moves with fun Caribbean dance moves for explosive fun. Regardless of the French-only instructions, the routine is actually surprisingly simple to follow along even if you don't speak the language. Keep in mind that this workout is fairly high impact, so be prepared to modify to your needs.

   This workout is part of a full fitness program designed by Tara and her friend Solene, feel free to check out their website for more information.

  Equipment needed: Aerobic step. Optional hand towel or small fabric for the dance.

   Workout duration: 26 minutes. No warm up or cool down are provided.

   GrowingAnnanas - Level Up 2.0 Challenge
   
Level up with minimal equipment alongside Anna
 
    Level Up 2.0 is a fourteen day challenge with (almost) zero equipment needed aside from a mat. HIIT and bodyweight moves are the core of this challenge, with many pulses and explosive intervals to elevate the heart rate. Besides the fast paced HIIT sessions, there are slower sessions inspired by Pilates with a focus on engaging the muscles. Two stretch days are also included in the challenge, making it a short yet complete program to test your endurance. 
 
   The full challenge can be browsed in this link.
 
   Equipment needed: Non slip mat, light weights or water bottles for Day 10.
 
  Workout duration: 25 to 35 minutes, warm up and cool down are included in each video. Fourteen day program with no rest days.
    
   Moves with Molly - Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Dance Workout
 
  
Dance along Ozzy's greatest hits with this creative tribute
    
   To pay tribute to the Prince of Darkness, Molly has created one of the most unique dance workouts I've done on YouTube. Inspired by Ozzy's entire discography, the dance moves are masterfully choreographed to match the lyrics and rhythm of his greatest hits. Aside from the creative steps and instructions, Molly also introduces facts about Ozzy's life and career. This workout is a beautiful and well crafted routine to celebrate his legacy.
 
   No equipment needed.
 
   Workout duration: 46 minutes. Warm up and a very emotional cool down are included in the workout.  

   Emkfit - Revenge Body Kickboxing workout
 
Low impact does not mean low energy with this powerful workout
 
  This low impact but high energy kickboxing inspired workout is a great way to burn calories while listening to awesome tunes. To the beat of fierce music by female singer and rappers, get ready to kick, punch and dodge all the way through. Emphasizing on movement instead of perfection, the message of self love and empowerment is loud in this workout.
 
   No equipment needed. Low impact.
 
   Workout duration: 25 minutes. No cool down provided.
  
  Pilates Body Raven - Pilates HIIT Fusion
 
Get the best of both worlds with this fusion workout
 
   This short but sweet workout should not be underestimated, it's definitely a burner. Combining the controlled moves of Pilates with HIIT inspired exercises, you will be challenged by interval of mindful movement followed by fast cardio intervals. By adding a resistance band, a Pilates ball and light weights, your balance and stability will be challenged in every move.
 
   Equipment needed: Exercise mat, light weights, resistance band and a Pilates ball.  
 
   Workout duration: Twenty minutes. Warm up and cool down are included.
 
   Afroletics - 15 Minutes Congolese Cardio Dance
 
Smile with this fun dance workout to Congo inspired beats
 
   This dynamic workout inspired by traditional Congolese music and dance moves is a joy to follow along. With clear on screen previews and timers, the workout can be easy to follow even for beginners to African dance. The Afroletics original music is also synced to perfection, matching beats with every step. The instructors' positive energy irradiates through the screen, transmitting the viewer their wonderful vibes.
 
   No equipment needed.
 
   Workout duration: 15 minutes. No warm up or cool down are provided.

Tired of pop music? Try these unique dance workouts at home

  YouTube dance workouts are some of the best ways to work out at home and have fun. Though all kinds of dance can be enjoyable regardless of the music, sometimes the royalty free beats and top hits by pop princesses can get boring. If you want to give new dance styles and other genres of music a try, check out this curated selection with great instructors from all around the globe.

Photo by Mart Production from Pexels

I tested the Japanese walking protocol for seven days: thoughts and more

 Trends are a common sight in the online fitness world, with social media algorithms changing and pushing topics and products at breakneck speed. While most workout fads are mostly based on achieving aesthetic goals, some are influenced by news about clinical studies and scientific research. A 2007 study published by Japanese researchers has been making the rounds in the news and social media, with headlines and posts raving about the wonders of the 'Japanese walking protocol'. 


Photo by Masao Mask from Unsplash