As a student I have little money for a gym subscription, I also have very little time to walk to and from the gym when I do actually want to go, especially this year. Sad times all round because I do like the endorphins of exercise and knowing that you’re keeping your body healthy is a great feeling.

So to save a few extra pennies here and there, I started looking at what was available to me online, the internet is a fab resource for literally everything, and on the app stores so that when I don’t have my laptop around I can still work out. As with all exercise, this is what I’ve found works for me, so might not for you, and before embarking on anything you should go and talk to your doctor. Also it’s useful to remember that while exercise is fab, pairing it with a good diet is where you see the best results.

youtube

blogilates

I’ll always recommend blogilates when people ask for ‘at home’ workout recommendations. Cassey is super chipper and very motivational, and curates calendars every month with workout plans to follow (you do have to be subscribed to the mailing list as the calendars are password protected). Most of her workouts require nothing more than yourself, as they’re built from pilates which uses your body weight. There’s a really vibrant ‘popster’ community that you can join to help with the motivation too.

popsugarfitness

one of the many popsugar channels, popsugar fitness is one that I use really regularly. They have a range of workouts that are slightly longer than blogliates, though they do 5 minute or under videos too. They also get special guest trainers in for tasters of other fitness programs or specially created routines for the channel, and most of the videos require no equipment at all, which is great. The exercises range from pilates style to intense cardio and bootcamp style workouts, so there’s a great range to choose from.

beFiT

beFiT is a bit of an eclectic channel, they have a wide range of videos that cover most types of at-home or class style workout that looks less cohesive than blogilates or popsugar, and I mostly use the ballet beautiful videos uploaded there.

xhit Daily

I’m not entirely sure what’s happened to the channel (they were last active 8 months ago), but there’s a whole host of really good workout videos to follow. As you’ve probably guessed they mix up the type of workouts they do, some require equipment, some just body weight.

apps

sworkit

probably my favourite workout app so far, it’s like having a little personal trainer in your pocket. I’ve spoken about it before and how it helps me be productive, but I really, really do love this app. You can set the workout time for however long you wish, and then they cycle through some workouts. There’s also the option for yoga, strength, cardio, stretching, and a custom workout.

30dayfit challenges workout

an app for the 30 day fitness challenge – it’s not the official 30 day fit app since this one is free, but it’s the same concept of daily challenges that build intensity with each day. I like being able to tick things off daily, and I especially love that there are different levels of each challenge, so you’re not just having to reset when you’re done. The challenges are abs, bodyweight, push ups and squats – and there’s a tab with explanations of the exercises if you’re unsure.

samsung health (or  pedometer app/log app)

I only started using the samsung health app recently, but it’s definitely helped me remember to get up and move. The step counter is really useful to make sure that I hit about 6000 daily – walking is a really easy way to up your fitness – and that I’m active for at least an hour total each day. I also really like the way that you can log your meals, sleep and water intake – which are all important for your health. A great alternative is my fitness pal.

tips

if you’re not getting yourself down to a gym, I’d suggest getting a few things to help your workouts. A yoga mat or something to protect your back from hard floors, light weights and resistance bands are useful to up intensity, and a foam roller for stretching out your muscles.

Hopefully these will help out a few people that are in a pinch like I am, or not particularly fond of gyms at the moment. Home workouts are fab, but please remember that form is important!

If you have any channels or apps that are your faves, let me know – share the workout love.

♥

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