The constrictions brought about by the pandemic saw a renaissance in the culture of home workouts.
For many, the lockdown brought about time for reflection on lifestyle choices and with the time to implement changes; online personal trainers and health influencers became a great source of encouragement, more than ever before.
From yoga, to Pilates, spin, to barre, there’s something for everyone.
They are the perfect opportunity to be physically productive minus the stresses or anxieties of having to compare yourself to others in a busy gym setting, a factor that puts many of us off.
Here is a guide to some of the best workouts to get stuck into from the comfort of your own home.
Yoga
Yoga is the perfect place to start when it comes to at-home fitness, as there is no need for any equipment. It's an exercise that promotes mindfulness, with several different poses and postures for any age or fitness level. It’s become increasingly popular in the last decade, with many medical professionals prescribing the practice as an organic way to improve mental health.
Pilates
Similarly to yoga, Pilates is also a great way to practise mindfulness.
Workouts can be completely moulded to the individual for a short burst of exercise or a long release of energy. The main benefits are increase in flexibility, improvements with balance and reduction in stress. A key component of the ‘it girl’ aesthetic!
Barre
Barre is the perfect way to re-ignite any childhood ballet dreams. Just as the title suggests. It involves a plethora of exercises performed at a ballet barre.
Unless you happen to have one lying around the house, a chair makes the perfect alternative. It's great for anyone wanting to improve muscle strength, flexibility and posture.
Where to start?
Cami Sophia
Cami posts short 20 second Pilates exercises on TikTok. These videos are the perfect introduction to Pilates! Each video has a different focus which means you can easily pick and choose your favourites and mould them into your own perfect 10-15 minute workout. Her short motivational phrases on each video are perfect constant encouragement and the pretty aesthetics are the icing on the cake! Perfect for any level of fitness. (TikTok: camisophiaaaa)
Sami Clarke
Sami is an online health and fitness trainer with a range of Pilates and strength-focused workout videos across social media channels. Her YouTube channel is a great source for short workout videos that you can fit into your day.
Move With Nicole
Nicole’s YouTube videos offer great guidance for twenty to sixty minute workouts, through which each and every exercise is explained in very specific detail. Filmed from the comfort of her own home, with solely the simple use of a yoga mat - a great source of calm guidance for yoga, pilates and high intensity workouts.
Action Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn’s videos are for anyone wanting to target specific areas. Her Barre, Pilates and yoga workouts on YouTube range from 3 minutes to forty. With several choreographed to singular songs, its a great way to incorporate a little bit of movement into your day.
Edited by Imogen Bowlt