The best free YouTube workouts for 2022

I used to be a huge fan of group fitness classes. But 2021 taught me that I don’t need a gym (or an agressive instructor) to get in a good workout – I just needed motivation. So where can you find good workouts? And what’s the best way to get motivated? In this post I’ll share my 5 favorite free YouTube workouts for 2022, as well as 5 tips for staying motivated.

Best cardio workouts: Pamela Reif

Pamela is so positive and upbeat! She does a ton of different workouts – from stretching, to HIIT, to strength training. But what I love are her short dance videos. The dances are simple to learn but not repetitive, which is perfect for cardio. You can add a few of them and design your own dance playlist. She keeps the music current which makes this one of the best YouTube workouts for 2022.

Best yoga workouts: Alo Fitness

Alo’s yoga classes are perfect for someone who has dabbled in yoga, but hasn’t been to a studio in a year. I really like that they rotate instructors and have a huge variety of classes, so I never get bored. Their studio vibe is professional, but also really mellow. Definitely one of the best YouTube workouts for 2022 in terms of value.

I love their 30 day challenges – they’re oldies but goodies. In fact, I’m in the middle of this 30 Day Reset Challenge. Since their videos don’t have music, I like to play this motivating yoga playlist on Spotify when I do their classes.

Best HIIT workouts: Heather Robertson

I lose motivation when I do too many rounds of the same exercises, so I really appreciate that Heather offers no repeat HIIT workouts. I also love her music and the fact that she doesn’t interrupt the workout with explanations. She also offers a free 12 week workout program, but many of the classes require weights so check for videos that specify “no equipment”.

Best quick workouts: Sanne Vloet

Sanne is actually a Victoria’s Secret model, so it’s part of her job to stay in shape. Her workouts are perfect when you’re short on time or want something low intensity. I also genuinely like her vlog. She has a very calming presence – and films in great locations for those of you who miss traveling. My two favorite videos are this morning workout she filmed in Africa, and this booty workout she filmed in Santorini (my favorite destination!).

Best overall workouts: Tracy Anderson

Tracy has been in personal training for almost 20 years, and there’s a reason – her workouts give you fantastic results. She’s been a personal trainer to a ton of celebrities (including Jennifer Lopez, Gweneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Cameron Diaz… and even Madonna).

I did her workouts during summer 2020, and I credit them with helping me get back in shape after many (MANY) weeks of wine & pizza during quarantine. But for results, you need to invest the time. It’s 30 to 60 minutes 5-6 times per week, and you should do the workouts for at least a few weeks. I recommend checking out some of the free versions of her workout that are on YouTube, like this one and this one. The moves take some time to get used to, but you’ll immediately notice soreness in muscles you didn’t even know you had. If you like the format, she also offers a two-week free trial for her online platform (extended to 3 weeks in January!).

With a little prep work, staying motivated isn’t as hard as you may think. Here are 5 tips that have kept me inspired while working out at home.

(1) Do your research.

I hate getting ready to workout, only to spend 20 minutes trying to find a good video. So make a YouTube account, and spend an hour or so flipping through the recommendations above to save some videos you’re interested in. I also subscribe to the people I like – it shows my support, and I also get notified when they post new videos.

(2) Find a routine.

Designate a workout space and get ready – like you’re really going to the gym. Brush your teeth, have some caffeine, and pull on workout gear. Having a routine and a space makes all the difference when you’re getting in the mood to workout.

(3) Get YouTube premium.

Obviously it;s great that all of these videos are free. But I highly recommend an ad-free subscription if you want to stay focused during your workouts. The last thing you need is an annoying ad interrupting your relaxing yoga session.

(4) Set your workouts ahead of time.

Ideally for the whole week. I set mine on Sundays, and I use YouTube to make playlists for each day. This will save you so much time in the mornings, and allows you to plan rest days.

(5) Get some cute workout clothes.

We’re not going out to eat or traveling, so why not invest in some quality pieces that will inspire you to get moving? I love the brands Girlfriend & Year of Ours, and their pieces last forever. Find some of my favorites below.

Best of luck with your new workout plan – and tag me on Instagram so we can keep each other motivated!