Does anyone else feel like there should be a day between Sunday and Monday to recover from the weekend? Between running errands, catching up with friends and getting organised for the week ahead, the weekends always seem to zoom by at the speed of light. As for finding the time to hit the gym? Unless you’re ultra dedicated, it can be a bit of a mission impossible. If I had a dollar for every time I’d planned to go to a gym class, only to end up scrolling through Instagram for an hour instead — I’d have enough money to pay a PT to train me at home.
Luckily, here’s another option that allows you to get your sweat on without leaving your humble abode. Because, let’s face it, the only thing worth leaving the house for in this weather is the beach. And the best part is, it won’t cost you a cent! Thanks to the amazing online community that is YouTube, you can stream literally thousands of free online workouts. But in the interest of letting you get back to binge-watching Netflix, we’ve rounded up 7 of the most efficient YouTube workouts you can smash out in 20 minutes. Whether you want to boost your booty or tone up your arms, there’s something for everybody — as long as you’ve got an internet connection!
For a fat blasting circuit
Aussie YouTuber Sarah’s Day has hordes of loyal fans, thanks to her no bulls*t approach to nutrition and challenging body weight circuits. This workout requires zero equipment, so you can do it at home or make like Sarah and head to the nearest beach. Whatever location you choose, we guarantee you’ll have worked up a sweat within about 0.05 seconds!
For your lower body
Unlike some other exercise videos, this one from Fitness Blender cuts straight to the chase (or rather, the workout). It’s super easy to follow and all of the moves are really clearly demonstrated. Good luck working into work on Monday, though — this lower body workout will target parts of your legs you didn’t even know existed!
For your upper body
It’s hard to believe you can do a full arm workout at home within 12 minutes with no equipment. But somehow, the super warm and engaging Cassey Ho from Blogilates makes it possible. The best part is, there’s no push-ups (but don’t worry, your arms will definitely still burn during and afterwards!)
For a dance workout
We get it — it’s the weekend and you just want to enjoy yourself. But there’s no reason you can’t have a good time while working out. This dance workout from Mandy Jiroux to Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’ is simple enough for beginners to follow — and so fun that you’ll forget you’re actually exercising!
For a full body circuit
So, you’ve gone a little hard on the burgers and wine this weekend and are in need of a serious full body workout? You’ll love this one from BodyRock. In just under 20 minutes, you’ll work all of your major muscle groups (and sweat from head to toe). The routine does use some equipment but we reckon you could improvise with some food cans from the pantry if you don’t have any weights lying around.
For a yoga workout
If you want to get your zen and sweat on at the same time, check out this full body yoga sequence from Tara Stiles via LiveStrong Women. It’s the perfect thing to do on Sunday afternoon to get energised for a new week. Just try not to get distracted by the beautiful 360 degree skyline views featured in the video!
For your core
Let’s face it — most of us hate doing core workouts. But they’re a lot easier to stomach (see what we did there?) when you can do them from the comfort of your living room within 10 minutes! This one from BikiniModelFitness is speedy, but will work the living daylights out of every last inch of your tummy.
