Whether you’re short on time or just hate the gym, exercising at home is a great way to stay fit on the cheap. Fortunately, the internet is an amazing resource for finding inexpensive and free workouts. Check out this directory of at home workouts and please feel free to get in touch with me if you know of any worthy additions to this list!
On this page, you’ll find links to workout videos, websites, programs, books and more, with the focus being on home workouts. The majority of these programs are free (such as the internet-based programs), though the DVDs and books are available for purchase. I’m always updating this page so check back often!
Internet Videos & Workouts
BodyRock is pretty much an internet phenomenon. Several times per week the creators post videos of very short and very intense workouts (completely free). The idea is to push your body to the absolute maximum for just a few minutes per day in order to see real changes in your fitness level.
Zuzana, former host of BodyRock, now has her own YouTube channel featuring free workouts. To me, Zuzana was the best thing about BodyRock, so I’m thrilled to see she’s still doing her thing even though she and Freddy have split up.
The Tone It Up website is almost overwhelming because it contains SO much. Workout videos, printable workouts, motivation, nutrition tips, recipes, you name it. Also, check out the Tone It Up channel on YouTube for a comprehensive collection of their videos. The Tone It Up girls also have a diet plan, which I’ve never tried, but you can read another blogger’s review here.
This one is new to me, but the website features free workout videos, both quickies and full-length vids, in categories like kickboxing, toning, pilates, yoga and even athletic training.
The American Council on Exercise, a leading source for exercise research and training certification, has a free collection of workouts, including routines to target different body parts, equipment-free workouts, posture routines and more. Each workout includes detailed exercise descriptions and photos.
If you like BodyRock and Zuzana Light workouts, check out Tatianna’s blog. Her free workouts are short, super-challenging and can be done at home with minimal equipment. Oh yeah, and she has a killer body, which is a fantastic motivator for the rest of us!
Recommended Workout DVDs and Videos
There’s truly an endless assortment of workout videos out there, but here are some that get consistently good reviews (I’ve used quite a few of them). If you’re overwhelmed by the selection of workouts available, read reviews on Amazon.com and check out Collage Video . They sell tons of workout DVDs and you can search by workout type, fitness goal, equipment used, instructor and more parameters to help you narrow it down.
Cathe Friedrich’s videos
Tracy Effinger’s Squeeze
Jillian Michaels’ videos
Chalean Extreme
Turbo Fire
Lauren Brooks’ Kettlebell videos (read my review here)
Strength-Training Instruction
Books
The New Rules of Lifting for Women
The New Rules of Lifting for Abs
The Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises
My Own Workouts
About Miami Housewife
Welcome, I'm Kristen! I'm a 20-something mother of two working to make exercise and healthy eating a simpler and more enjoyable part of life. I love lifting, running, being outdoors and enjoying food in all it's healthy and not-so-healthy forms. I believe that happiness is as essential to 'healthy living' as exercise and vegetables - that's why I never turn down dessert! Connect With Me!
