If January teaches us anything, it's that the gym isn't for all of us. Post-Christmas, we're all guns blazing, ready to fight the fat and drop dress-sizes in weeks, if not days! But somehow we never make it past the induction...
Sure, it's February and you're wrapped up on the couch eating chocolate like it’s December, praying that ‘thinking yourself thin’ will get you toned and trim by summer. But don’t give up hope just yet. You don't need the gym to get beach-ready.
There are hundreds of amazing, not to mention free to use, YouTube fitness channels that provide all the guidance you need for the perfect workout. Here are just 6 of our favourites.
BeFit
Why brave the cold when you can get fit in the comfort of your own home? BeFit is one of the best channels you can turn to if you're looking for a full body workout that's doable in your lounge. There's something for everyone. If you're searching for a high-intense, fat-blasting regime that gets you into shape fast, they've a 90-day programme that offers you a different workout every single day. Fancy sculpting a jaw dropping 6-pack in 30 days? BeFit can get you there.
Whether you want to focus on strengthening your body through yoga or pick up the pace with cardio activities, the BeFit channel provides a wide choice of workouts to suit your fitness goals. Hosted by qualified trainers, you're guided through each step in an easy-to-follow, accessible way. Beginners and pros alike, it's worth subscribing.
FitnessBlender
If even the idea of YouTubing your workouts seems scary to you, start with FitnessBlender. They strip away the fuss; no music, no 'all singing, all dancing' studio sessions. Just you, the professional trainer and the exercise you need to get into shape.
Created by husband and wife Daniel and Kelly, they show how easy it is to get fit in the home, no gym required. Whether you're catching up on morning TV or waiting for dinner to cook, stick one of their videos on for 15- 30 minutes and it won't even feel like hard work. Soon enough exercise will fit seamlessly into your daily routine like everything else. With over 300 full-length videos to choose from, across a wide range of disciplines - yoga, circuits, kettlebells - you're sure to find something you like.
Diet.com
If you're looking for the whole package, diet tips and expert exercise advice in one, then Diet.com is for you. Unlike other fitness channels, Diet.com offers nutrition, lifestyle and body confidence clips alongside fun workouts; like the best exercises to beat love handles and ‘the ultimate ‘desk job’ exercise.’
Its down to earth but informative approach to training and exercise is perfect for beginners, with over 500 videos to choose from! Ladies, if the hard-hitting 30-day fat-blast workouts aren’t for you, ease yourself in with a friendly face from Diet.com. It’s a great place to get started.
BodyRock.TV
If you’re looking for a challenge, head to BodyRock.TV. Founder and instructor Lisa Marie doesn’t hold back when it comes to her workouts. For her it’s no pain, no gain – but she promises amazing results (just look at her abs!) If you’re bored of the same old routines and yawn at the thought of doing another set of squats; Lisa’s channel showcases a whole host of creative workouts, like ‘ninja pump pick up exercises’ and the ‘dynamic surfer.’ It’s ideal for those who are ready to exercise, but hate the gym environment.
Frugal Fitness
If the one thing that puts you off exercise is expense, let self-confessed ‘fitness guru and elite cheapskate’ Mike Schiemer show you how to get into shape without spending a penny. His approach to exercise is to make it as cheap and as fun as possible – no costly gym memberships or sporting gear required.
As a personal trainer, physiologist and nutritionist, he knows what works; providing one-to-one, step-by-step advice in the comfort of your own living room. His channel offers 300+ videos at intermediate level and beyond. For super-healthy recipes and effective workouts at the touch of a button, try Frugal Fitness.
XHit Daily
If you’re guilty of having celeb envy – ‘wish I had her abs, legs, bum’ – check out XHit Daily. The trainers pick your favourite superstars and target key areas, like ‘how to get legs like Jennifer Lawrence’ and ‘the best Victoria Secret ab workout;’ celeb-style training sessions that help you achieve your dream figure. They provide exercises for the both the lower and upper body, concentrating on core strengthening tips to leave you looking slim and sculpted. Their 10-minute workouts are perfect for those on the go.
RealBuzz
