Fashion and Lifestyle
For the last five months one thing I have really dipped out on is the fact I am still paying my gym membership but we haven’t been able to go to the gym. Okay, it’s only a percentage as a retainer so that I can go back when they open. However it has meant we have been having to try out the whole home workout routines to the max. At the very beginning of lockdown I even attempted to buy some weights however it was at that point everyone was panicking buying so they were pretty much physically impossible to get hold of. I was lucky even to pick up some resistant bands!
But before I properly get into this blog post I thought I would do a little disclaimer. I understand that over the course of lockdown everyone has coped with lockdown differently and if you haven’t worked out then that is completely OKAY too! But as I went to the gym often before lockdown I decided to workout during lockdown too.
Although, thinking back to the beginning of lockdown is so strange. Not only was that march, and we are now in JULY (WTF?) but also I would take advantage of my one exercise a day and go for a walk every evening. Now, I barely go out once a week. However I did try and keep up to a fitness routine. I think like a lot of people, I came to hate the Chloe Ting background music, but I have been trying out loads of different workout routines and I wanted to summarise them.
I actually wish I cancelled my gym membership at the start of lockdown as these workout routines have really changed the way I look at my fitness. Who needs to pay £30 a month when it is quite easy to do at home. Of course, it depends on what your goals are, and once I go back I will probably love going to the gym. But I suppose I am saying, it is possible to work out at home and lockdown has proved that. So which home workouts are the best?
I thought I would talk about Chloe Ting’s workouts first because I have already mentioned her twice in this post. And I think for good reason. She has literally become the home workout queen during lockdown. The amount of Tik Tok’s I have seen of people doing them is mad. It is safe to say she has nailed the home workouts. But also Chloe does challenges. If you go to her website there are workout challenges all free of charge and the use workouts that feature on her Youtube channel.
I tried the 14 day Ab challenge about a month or two ago. I have to admit I didn’t complete the full 14 days. The main issue is that, 14 days won’t get you abs. And I think that is really important to highlight because I’d hate to see young girls torturing themselves that it didn’t work. But it is a very rigorous routine and it’s really challenging. I like to think I am somewhat fit as I have been workout out for a while and I struggled. However the main part was trying to stick to the 14 days routine. It meant working out 6 days a week which sometimes just isn’t easily done, and it also demotivated me.
Okay, now all of that sounds pretty negative. I am not here to bash Chloe. Because actually her workouts themselves are pretty damn good. I ditched the challenges and just did whichever ones I felt like doing when I went to workout. So for example if I am doing leg day, I will warm up with one of her leg videos. Or if I am doing ab day I will do 2-3 of her videos. They really get your heart racing and get those jelly legs happening. She breaks down the routines, and has a bar on top to show you how far through the workout you are. And they are completely free. They are probably something I will be continuing for the future and doing them at your own accord is what I would recommend.
Natacha is mainly know for doing workouts over on her Instagram. But she also does longer ones which you can follow along on Youtube! If I were to deserve her workouts, I would say they are primarily HIIT based. HIIT is high intensity interval workouts. And boyyyyy are they high intensity. They really are quite something. I have been doing her Instagram workouts for years because I will do them once a week at the gym.
However her youtube videos are great for home workouts as they follow a similar structure to Chloes. They are broken down well and incorporate a lot of moves I have never done before. I don’t think they are suitable for beginners, as they are quite tough in places though. But, she does a range of non-jumping and low impact moves or specific videos. So if you are in a flat or working out in your bedroom like me they are really good.
Obi primarily does a lot of gym workout tutorials however a lot of them can be adapted into home workouts, or he does have a range of home workout ones too. He is more weight orientated and a lot of his workouts includes some form of weight as they are aimed at body building. For me, this was perfect as I did a lot of weight workouts before lockdown. He also has good suggestions of how to make your own weights at home if you don’t have any. For example, I use a rucksack filled with heavy books and water bottles and ITS HEAVY. These workouts are really quite something. The one I tried, I only did half of due to timing reasons, however my gluten felt on FIRE the next day. If you really want to feel that burn then definitely try Obi’s workouts.
I did a lot of POP Sugar’s workouts closer to the start of lockdown when I had a bit of a stricter workout routine. At the beginning of lockdown I would workout 5 times a week perhaps. Which included a run, a pop sugar video and then three other days focussing on legs, arms and abs. Now, I am lucky to do 2-3 workouts a week which is still good going and I am proud that I am still keeping that up. However I know I need to get back into the habit of doing POP Sugar workouts as they were hard. But a good hard. In terms of home workout routines they were impressive.
I did a few from pilates, to a bikini workout, to some all body HIIT workouts and they were sweaty let me tell you that. I had never done pilates before. This was probably more of a cardio pilates workout but my muscles were feeling it the next day. And the bikini workout was a killer workout too. But they were probably one of the most effective ones that I tried. They were also a little longer than the others I had tried. They lates about 30 minutes, where as most above would range from 10-20 mins. So if you wanted just one longer workout then these are a good option.
What home workout routines have you tried?
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I love Chloe Ting’s workouts! I don’t know the other ones you’ve mentioned but I might give them a try. I’m a huge fan of HIIT workouts, they’re insane! But at the moment I’m doing Less Mills Body Attack workouts at home, they are my absolute favorite kind of workouts.
Natacha does loads of HITT workouts so you will love hers!
I was really into yoga with Adriene but these seem really intriguing also
I need to do more yoga!
I’ve been so lazy lately, really need to get back into a fitness routine. I love a bit of yoga and running – just need to push myself and get back into it!
Zoey | http://www.zoeyolivia.com
Go on girl!
I love Chloe Ting’s workouts! They’re quick, effective and great for quarantine!
https://www.mariannyc.com/5-tips-on-how-to-have-a-better-day/
Yes I agree!
I’m actually a big fan of the PopSugar ones!
Best Summer Self Care Products | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog
Me too!
I’ve been doing a lot of Popsugar fitness and also been working out during lockdown. I’m surprise your gym still charged you. Most gyms in chicago stopped charging due to the lockdown. I’ll have to checkout Chloe Ting.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Yeah some have been charging and some haven’t! It is a little bit annoying!
Thanks for sharing these workouts! I use the Jillian Michaels app and pretty happy with the results.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Ooh thank you!!
Thank you for sharing, I am interested in trying the Chloe Ting workouts. I am currently doing Heather Robertson’s 12 week workout plan on Youtube as well as Love Sweat Fitness’s Summer Shape Up.
Ooh I will have to look at Heather’s thanks for the suggestion!
I have been sticking to Blogilates as I’ve always been a fan of Casey and her approach to health and fitness. I definitely want to try out Chloe Ting’s programme, really sounds worth the try!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I have never heard of Blogilates! I will have to look into it!
Ohhhh thank you for these! I need to do some more home work outs, I went for runs, and used my resistance bands!
Serene xoxo
http://www.surrealserene.com
Yes they all do stuff with resistant bands!
I definitely got to check out all these workouts! Usually I’m doing the ones from Pamela Reif, but it’s good to learn something new.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Ahhh I will have to try hers!
Thank you for sharing these, I have been wanting to try yoga and Pilates too. Home work outs can be good. I think I just need to get into the mood. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren | http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I need to do more pilates!
I feel completely out of the loop – I didn’t know of a lot of these people before this post! My exercise and workout patterns fell apart after lockdown happened – I’m a social exerciser myself which means I don’t do well by myself; I need to have someone else with me to chat to and engage with etc otherwise I find it really hard. This person doesn’t even have to be a friend, haha! I can’t wait for swimming pools to reopen and my running club to get started again. I will check out these people – I’m looking at going to the gym again after lockdown as we have free membership with university. I love HIIT workouts – they’re great too. Thanks for sharing this awesome list of people – well done for working out during lockdown too!
Paige // Paige Eades
I prefer working out on my own! But I used to be a social gym goer! HIIT is a really good way just to get the endorphins going!
I haven’t done any working out at all through lockdown or ever for that matter haha! I definitely need to try some of these. Thanks!
Abbey x
And thats alright too girl!
I’m quite lucky that running is my main form of exercise so my gym closing their doors hasn’t had to ruin everything for me. I love Natacha Oceane! Her whole approach to heath and fitness is a really healthy and her workouts are great. I’ve only ever done a few of hers but I always feel like I’ve done something afterwards which is amazing. I need to try the Pop Sugar ones x
Sophie
I need to do more running! I run once a week but that has been a bit slack lately as I was struggling with runners knee!
I’ve been really getting into my home workouts since the beginning of lockdown! My favourite has been Lilly Sabri’s workout challenges on her Youtube channel, I’ve been doing a 30 day challenge one recently but I’m loving it! Some days it can definitely be difficult to motivate myself to do one, I haven’t missed a day yet though. I think the mood boost it gives me really helps to keep me motivated.
Chloe xx
Ooh I will have to check hers out! Thanks for the recommendation!
Chloe Tings workouts are tough but honestly, after doing her 2 week shred challenge I can honestly say my stamina is sooo good now that I feel like I can do any workout and it will be easier than hers! I’ve been trying out random workout videos on youtube alongside my sister and I see myself going for a lot longer than she can which was a surprise, ’cause she’s generally more athletic. I love watching Natacha’s videos and love her but I’ve never actually done her workouts before because they look really intimidating, and you’re right, they don’t really seem suitable for beginners. But I think now I might be able to do them!
Great post! 🙂
Mish | https://latteswithmish.com
Definitely give them a go! There is no harm trying after all!
I think it’s great that you have been keeping up with your fitness during the lock down. The start of the lock down was so weird but I have been getting back into fitness with walking, I am slowly building that up each day and it’s brilliant! This is a great post lovely! xx
Janet
http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com
Thats such a good way too! Mine is very up and down. Some weeks I have been doing well and some weeks I won’t do anything!
I’ve been enjoying at home workouts lately too! Thanks for sharing these! Totally bookmarking for later!
District of Chic
Ahh let me know which you try and if you know of any others!
I haven’t heard of a lot of these people so I’ll definitely be checking them out! I’ve been loving Madfit and Holly Dolke – they really make you feel it depending on which routine you go for! I’ve tried a few Chloe Ting workouts and agree that they’re so intense!
Tash // A Girl with a View
Ooh I have never heard of those two so I will have to check them out!
Home workout is so fun! I usually search for video workouts in YouTube
xoxo
Lovely
http://mynameislovely.com
Yes me too!
LOL I would love to work out like Chloe Ting. I still do my workout which is basically a yoga routine but come fall I want to change it up. So glad you found a routine that works and are staying positive and productive.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
It is good that you have a routine though!
Interesting workouts, thanks for sharing!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Thank you for reading!
I also found Chloe’s workouts really difficult to stick to! The most I managed was 7 days out of the 28 Day Summer Shred Challenge 🙈POP Sugar is one of my favourites, and I’ve also been enjoying Maddie Fit’s song workouts!
Maya x | http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk
Oh I will have to try Maddie Fit!
I like a lot of elements of working out at home, it is much easier but sometimes I find it tricky to motivate myself. when you go ot the gym its like ok, I came all the way here I am going to make the best of it! I have been doing some of Rachael Attard’s workouts in combination with running and I’m enjoying them.
Yes thats very true! I am trying to get back to the gym but they keep messing up my membership!
I actually did the Chloe Ting 14 day challenge earlier in July! And like you said, you can’t get abs in 14 days, but I found the structure helpful to keep me motivated and on track with a regular workout schedule.
Have you tried the MadFit dance workout videos? I think they are the most fun workouts I’ve tried during lockdown!
I haven’t! I will have to give them a go!
Who knew POP Sugar Fitness would be so great! I tried doing some workouts from them as well and found myself out of breath by the end. Thanks for sharing the others though, I will have to give them a try 🙂
-Hoes that Hustle | https://hoesthathustle.com/
They are such killer workouts!