These top 5 free beginner workout videos can be done at home with no equipment. They helped me when I was just getting started on my fitness and weight loss journey to lose 90 pounds.
When I first started my exercise journey I was 100 pounds overweight with ZERO exercise stamina and I didn’t have any extra money to spend, for me just getting out and moving my body WAS the challenge for me. In the beginning, I set a goal for myself just to move my body in some way for at least 15 minutes for 4 times a week. That was a gradual approach and an attainable goal that helped me just get used to consistent exercise while not overdoing it and causing me to quit.
One thing I did a lot was free workout videos on youtube. I also didn’t want to buy weights yet, so when they had weights in the video I would just use jars filled with water!
My Weight Loss & Fitness Journey
Weight loss is a part of my journey, but it’s not the most important part of it. I’ve lost 90 pounds, but the better gift I received is self-love, compassion and acceptance. I did a lot of internal work before even losing any weight. I lost a lot of resentments, self-loathing and shame. This mindset shift was not brought on by the weight loss. This emotional/spiritual evolution prior to losing weight is precisely the thing that enabled me to love myself enough to take care of myself and my body for myself…not for others.
Normally I don’t like to share before/after weight-loss pictures. I feel that these photos—especially ones intended to sell things— contribute to this public shaming of overweight people– because your brain naturally processes the “before” as “bad” and the “after” as “good”. It unconsciously objectifies people and reduces them to be represented just by their body.
We all see a ton of focus in the media on weight loss and looking a certain way, especially as women…so it’s hard not to feel like it’s the most important thing in the world. But it’s really hard to take care of ourselves when we feel ashamed of ourselves and our bodies.
There is a lot of legitimate prejudice and shame put onto overweight people by society/media and inflicting that kind of emotional pain does not help anyone. I was obese my entire life until recently and I know exactly what that shame feels like. [It feels REALLY BAD and is not motivating or helpful at all]
It’s only by taking the focus OFF of weight loss and dissatisfaction with my body that I was actually able to lose weight. The most transformative thing for me has been loving myself no matter where I’m at and through that I’m capable, willing and able to take care of my body by eating well and exercising.
Starting a beginner workout routine doesn’t have to cost anything!
You DO NOT need money to improve your health and fitness. Don’t get me wrong…money always helps make things easier, but if you really want to, you can make healthy changes without having to spend money.
I had some favorite low-impact beginner videos that I did over and over again when I started my fitness journey. Doing these videos at home gave me confidence with exercise. Doing them over and over also allowed me to see my progress. At first I could only do 10 push ups on my knees, but little by little I grew to 15 push ups on my knees, then 5 push ups on my feet, then 10 then 15.
Top 5 Free Beginner Workout Videos
Below are some of my favorite free beginner workout videos that you can do at home with no equipment or experience!
1. PopSugar Fitness 15-Minute Beginner Workout
I think this is probably the workout I did the most in the beginning. I love how positive and encouraging the instructor is and how inclusive it is for every fitness level. I think I’ve probably done this video at least 50 times!
I love that there are modifications to accommodate every fitness level. When I first started I took all the easier modifications and slowly progressed to the harder modifications. You don’t need any equipment for this workout and it can be done at home!
2. HASfit 15-minute Fat Burning Workout for Beginners
This is another video that I did countless times when I was starting out. It’s challenging but still approachable for beginners. You don’t need any equipment except for a chair or bench. I really like the HASfit videos because the instructor is very encouraging and inclusive of all fitness levels!
3. Fitness Blender Beginner Bootcamp Workout
This workout does use weights, but if you are a total beginner you can not use weights and still do the workout or you can do what I did: fill some jars with water and use those as weights. Water bottles, cans or almond milk boxes also work for weights!
4. BodyFit By Amy 20 Minute Body Weight Beginner Workout
This workout just uses body weight as resistance for the workouts. It focuses on form and is a great slower starting point for those who are just starting out.
5. HASfit 15 minute Beginner Weight Training
Weight training is a great thing to do for building strength and toning. It also improves metabolism. This video from HASfit is another excellent starting point for beginners. It does use weights, but you can use water bottles, cans or jars filled with water as you’re getting started. I used jars of water for a while before I moved onto real weights!
