So I get a lot of questions from you guys regarding the PIIT28 program that I reviewed way back when (you can find that post here). Some of you aren’t sure if the $40 splurge will be worth. I think with these kinds of programs, it really comes down to two things: motivation and workout style. And yes, there is some overlap between the two.
- Motivation: For some people, it’s the money spent on a workout program that keeps them motivated. Hell, if I shelled out $80 for a 4-week program, you bet I’m going to do it diligently every day. Well, that’s I tell myself. I also probably would never spend that much on a workout guide. For me, I’m motivated by the people behind the workouts. That’s why I preferred PIIT28 over BBG, and I had no problem spending the $40. Cassey was just more engaging and inspiring during the workouts themselves. If the workouts are interesting, challenging, and high-energy, I’m sold. But I don’t necessarily need to spend money in order to get that. There are YouTube videos that I’ve found over the years that give me that source of motivation. And that’s what I want to share with ya’ll today. I’m pretty picky about my workout videos, and I’ll go into more detail in the next bullet below. But hey, I feel like if you can find a set of go-to videos that you can use for daily workouts, etc., then there’s no need to spend the money! If anything, use the workout videos on YouTube as a trial run. Figure out what you like, what you don’t like, and a schedule that works for you!
- Workout style: So for me, I HATE repetition. That’s the one thing about workout guides that I generally can’t get over. I did Cassey’s PIIT28 program a few times through. After some time, though, I needed a break. I needed something different. So yes, I may go back to PIIT28 again someday to switch things up, but for now, I’m happy with the pool of videos that I’ve gathered from YouTube. If you’re thinking about getting a workout guide/program, pay attention to the style of the workouts. Yes, the results are important, but if the means to get there are so out of whack with what you do normally (or what you can realistically see yourself doing on a day to day basis), you might want to reconsider. For example, I like short, high-intensity workouts. My ideal workout length is 15-25 minutes. Exercises within the workout have to be varied. I would really rather not repeat 4 exercises over and over again for 7 min, for example. And finally, I need real-time workouts. That’s why I enjoy following videos. In-person classes are great too, but timing isn’t as flexible. So keeping that in mind, here are the current workout videos that I alternate between.
Christine Salus – 15 min 6-Pack Abs HIIT Home Workout: I love Christine Salus. I wouldn’t say she’s as high-energy as Cassey from Blogilates, but she pushes with you through the workouts. And you can see her struggling too, so it makes it more relatable, if you know what I mean. With Cassey, I’m just like…how is this person even human?! She’s talking like she’s just chilling on a beach. Christine’s a beast too, don’t get me wrong, but she also feels more genuine. I like this workout because it’s just 1 round of 15 exercises. And it’s a great mix of cardio and core, without using any equipment. 50 seconds on and 10 seconds off. I also love how she posts the workout in the description box, so you can see ahead of time what you’re in for. For this one, you’re looking at:
- Star burpees
- Tuck abs with overhead press
- Baby plank walks
- Heel clicks
- Oblique V-ups
- Tricep pushup burpees
- Tuck abs with overhead press
- 1 commando plank, 4 knee tucks (elevated)
- Frond kick and punch
- Russian twists
- Diamond pushup burpees
- Tuck abs with overhead press
- Side plank knee tuck (right)
- High knees
- Side plank knee tuck (left)
Christine Salus – Brutal Bodyweight HIIT | 20 min Fat Burning Home Workout: Alright these first few videos are gonna be all Christine Salus, haha. I’m not going in any particular order…just the way that they’re listed in my bookmarks. I probably found all of these at the same time. Anyway, this workout is definitely more cardio intense, with a lot more leg exercises (and jumping) than the previous one. Decent amount of arm work too with the pushups. Slightly more repetitive because it’s 2 rounds of 10 exercises (50 seconds on, 10 seconds off), but still not bad.
- Plank jack into heel click
- Touchdowns
- 3-way pushups
- 4 Switch lunges, 4 squat jumps
- 10x hop over weight, drop down, star jump
- 6 mountain climbers, 1 legged pushup
- Side squat, back lunge (do right leg round 1, left leg round 2)
- 1 Commando plank, 4 glute raises (do right leg round 1, left leg round 2)
- Pendulum lunge with 2 switches (right leg round 1, left leg round 2)
- Roll up abs
Christine Salus – Busy Morning HIIT #1 Full Body Workout: Another great full body, 15 min workout. This one incorporates weights as well. 1 round of: (50 seconds on, 10 seconds off)
- Star burpees
- 3 Switch lunges, 3 bicep curls
- Bridge sliders
- 3 squat jumps, 3 front raises
- 4 tricep dips, 4 back flies
- Elevated – 1 regular pushup, 1 pike pushup
- Tuck abs over chair
- Jugglers
- Tuck abs over chair
- Elevated – 1 regular pushup, 1 pike pushup
- 4 tricep dips, 4 back flies
- 3 squat jumps, 3 front raises
- Bridge sliders
- 3 Switch lunges, 3 bicep curls
- Star burpees
Christine Salus – Busy Morning HIIT #2 Cardio-Core Bodyweight Insanity: Another one of these cardio-core workouts. Super fast, but super effective. This one is on the more repetitive side, but you’re only repeating it 3 times through so it’s super quick. I’m always out of breath after this one! Complete 3 rounds of: (50 seconds on, 10 seconds off)
- Toe touch jacks
- Walk into plank, tricep pushup, 2 plank hops, tuck jump
- 5 Knee-ups, 5 star jumps
- Pushup into side plank with dips
- Tuck abs with leg raise
Sarahs Day – 15min Fat Burner Workout | Full Body At Home HIIT Workout: Sarah (Sezzy) is probably the most energetic person that I know (through YouTube). Her energy is contagious, and she really makes working out fun. She also blasts music during her workouts–good music too! I wish she would make more of these videos. She has a few more that you can find on her channel. But her workouts all follow the same structure and are in the form of 2 circuits. Each circuit is 4 exercises, and you repeat each circuit 3 times. Each exercise is for 30 seconds, with no break in between. In reality, though, I find that this basically turns into 20 seconds on 10 seconds off. Almost like tabata style. Awesome workout though, and it does work out your entire body! And it feels like you’re working out with a friend the whole time š
Zanna van Dijk – 30 min Full Body HIIT | adidas women workouts: I wish Zanna would make more of these videos! This was a random one that I found off of adidas’ channel. Definitely on the longer side, but really really effective. Also more repetitive, but I liked how the video was made and Zanna has really good energy, so it didn’t feel that long. This one isn’t as high-intensity so it’s definitely more beginner-friendly. Still a good workout for all levels, though. Focuses on strength, cardio, and core.
Work out #LIKENINA | Full 30 Minute LES MILLS GRIT Cardio Workout: This workout is INSANE. I will be happy if I can do this workout from start to finish by the end of March…I was dying after the first 7 minutes. SUPER intense cardio workout. Lots of plyometrics. And cardio. So be prepared to jump and be prepared to sweat. Very high-energy workout, though. All the instructors are awesome and super motivating. I found this very recently, so I think I will start using this once a week…for a straight-up cardio day.
Pamela Rf – 10 min Ab Workouts: The two videos above are super similar so I lumped them into one section. This girl is amazing!! She does the whole workout without breaking a sweat. And without taking any breaks. I’m usually dead after 5 min. But she picks a great selection of exercises, and I usually do one of these videos after my main workout. If I’m feeling lazier or if I don’t have much time, I’ll just do this as my main workout for the day. You might not break a sweat, but your abs will definitely be sore the next day!
So there you have it! My favorite workout videos. I have way more Christine Salus videos in my bookmarks, but I figured I would just list the top few, and if you guys like them ya’ll can find the rest directly on her channel.
If you guys know of any good short workout videos, please let me know! I’m always on the lookout š
XOXO,
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