Thanks to lockdown, many of us have picked up a bit – or a lot! – of weight, which can be disconcerting, especially after going through the tough time the last two years have been. But it’s nothing to be ashamed or upset about. The diet culture has ruined the way we view our bodies, even though there is nothing wrong with any body, and we shouldn’t get caught up in trying to get the perfect “beach body”. As the saying goes, every body is a beach body. That being said, a bit of extra weight can be unhealthy, which is why fitness is so important.
While fitness has been viewed as part of getting the “perfect” body, that mindset is toxic. Fitness is to get healthy so that you can live a longer, happier life. And that is what the following YouTube workout channels are all about. Here are 20 of the best YouTube workout channels that will help you get fit and healthy. And if you happen to lose weight in the process and get the beach body you desire, well, that’s just an added bonus!
20 Best YouTube Workout Channels
Whether you’re looking to get toned, lose weight, get fit, or just want to feel better about yourself, there is a YouTube workout channel that will tick all your boxes.
1. Yoga with Adriene
With her easy-going personality and inclusive videos, everyone’s go-to yoga queen, Adriene from Yoga with Adriene, has turned many a sceptic into a yoga fanatic. She has something for everyone, from yoga newbies all the way up to aficionados, and has a range of videos targeting different goals, whether it be for fitness, relaxation, or even ailments such as sciatica and lower back pain. Instead of splashing out on expensive yoga classes, why not do it from the comfort of your own home with Adriene. With her quiet voice and inspirational words, you’ll feel like she’s right there with you. And there’s a special treat in store for animal lovers – her dog Benji makes regular appearances in her videos.
YouTube: @yogawithadriene
2. The Body Coach – Joe Wicks
Even if you’re not a fitness fanatic, you must have heard of Joe Wicks by now, A.K.A. The Body Coach. Joe is arguably the most popular fitness influencer at the moment, mostly due to his successful 90-day body transformation plan and his attitude about fitness and the diet industry. He is very vocal about his views of the diet industry, which he says is awful. His videos emphasise his belief by concentrating on health and happiness instead of appearance. Not only that, but Joe has also released a number of bestselling cookbooks. Quite the CV! The Body Coach is definitely a channel to check out if you’re into, or looking to get into, fitness and health – with a dose of happiness.
YouTube: @thebodycoach1
3. Kayla Itsines
Another big fitness influencer is Kayla Itsines, with 397,000 subscribers on YouTube and 13.3 million followers on Instagram. The co-founder of SWEAT, Kayla offers high-intensity, low impact workout videos you can do at home that don’t require any equipment and pushes you to try harder. Her workouts are convenient, motivational, affordable and deliver results.
YouTube: @kaylaitsines
4. Natacha Océane
Natacha Océane’s videos combine fitness and science, educating you on the science behind fitness while you work out. Like many other YouTube workout channels on this list, Natacha is not a fan of the diet industry or the ridiculous beauty standards of today. Her videos focus on physical health and mental health, guiding viewers to live a healthier life without sacrificing happiness.
YouTube: @NatachaOceaneFit
5. Linda Sun
Linda Sun is definitely a ray of sunshine. She shows the nitty-gritty side of workouts without sugar-coating it, yet still motivates you to get up and going. Her videos are honest, showing how tough working out can be and how it is worth it at the end of the day. Linda has been open about her previous insecurities and struggles with self-image, and these videos document her journey from fighting her body to embracing it and keeping it healthy. Her channel also has videos of delicious food and recipes that you will enjoy long after the videos end.
YouTube: @lindasun
6. Omar Isuf
If you’re into bodybuilding or thinking of dipping your toe into the world of weightlifting, this is the channel for you. No matter where you are physically, Omar Isuf has a video for you. However, not all his videos are strictly workout videos. He also does interviews with people in the industry to get their insight and routines. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, try a few of his workouts to see if it’s for you. Most of his workouts require equipment, though, so make sure you stock up on the necessities before you hit play.
YouTube: @OmarIsuf
7. Pamela Reif
While she may not be a professional, Pamela Reif shot to YouTube stardom at the tender age of 16, so she has years of experience as a fitness YouTuber to make up for it. Whether you're only starting to work out now, or have been doing so for a while, Pamela has a video that is guaranteed to make you sweat.
It might not be for everyone, because there is quite a bit of talking in her videos, but the short workouts (most are only 10 minutes long) are great if you have a hectic schedule, as you can fit a workout in whenever you have a few minutes to spare.
YouTube: @PamelaRf1
8. Stephanie Buttermore
Stephanie Buttermore is one smart cookie! The popular YouTuber is not only a fitness instructor, but also has a PhD in biomedical sciences. Stephanie uses this knowledge to deliver body-positive videos that educate subscribers on fitness and how to live a healthier lifestyle. She inspires many who want to be fitter, but not give up all the things they love, with her positive outlook on fitness and health without restricting yourself too much.
YouTube: @stephaniebuttermore
9. Tess Begg
This one is for the vegans out there. Being vegan can be really difficult, and so many changes have to be made. Sometimes it can be a real chore trying to find a workout program that suits your lifestyle, but they do exist! And Tess Begg’s channel is one for the books. The Australian YouTuber has tailored workout videos and other videos showing how to make delicious yet nutritious plant-based food to support your workout. So if anyone ever shames you for being vegan or says that you can’t be strong if you don’t eat meat, show them Tess’ videos to shut them up.
YouTube: @TessBegg
10. Whitney Simmons
After a difficult time in her life, Whitney Simmons got into fitness on her father's advice and quickly gained a huge following. Her videos cover a whole range of workouts, from weightlifting to beginner’s guides and tips. Whitney’s support and sweet personality keep subscribers coming back for more.
YouTube: @WhitneySimmons
11. POPSUGAR Fitness
Did you know that POPSUGAR Magazine has the POPSUGAR Fitness channel? An extension of the famous brand, POPSUGAR Fitness boasts 5.8 million subscribers. The channel posts various fun workout videos, such as dance workouts and no equipment cardio workouts. If you’re looking for enjoyable workouts that will still cause you to build up a sweat, this is the channel for you.
YouTube: @popsugartvfit
12. Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home
Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home channel is great for you if you want to feel like you are part of a class environment without having to fork out for a gym membership or Peloton. Her videos are reminiscent of 80s workout videos, with the music and her upbeat personality, and will keep you moving throughout the session without you even realising it. Workouts are easy to follow and suitable for anyone.
YouTube: @walkathomemedia
13. Breathe and Flow
Power couple Bre and Flo Niedhammer are yoga instructors who run a YouTube channel offering yoga and meditation exercises for everyone. Programs vary in degrees of difficulty, with sessions categorised as short, medium, or long. There is also a high-intensity yoga program to look out for if you want a real challenge.
YouTube: @BreatheandFlow
14. The Fitness Marshall
Possibly one of the most enjoyable, yet effective, YouTube workout channels out there is The Fitness Marshall channel. Creator Caleb Marshall offers dance workouts suitable for anyone to get a full-body workout. Workouts vary, the shortest being 3 minutes of a quick dance workout and the longest a 30-minute one. This is a channel anyone can get stuck into. It’s that fun.
YouTube: @thefitnessmarshall
15. Cassey Ho
Award-winning fitness instructor Cassey Ho offers full-length workouts such as POP Pilates on her YouTube workout channel, Blogilates. Cassey has been a popular fitness instructor for over a decade now, and her success is evident from her millions of subscribers. Pilates inspires her workouts and her energetic personality will keep you going.
YouTube: @blogilates
16. Carly Rowena
Carly Rowena is a firm favourite in the online fitness world with her lovable and laid-back personality. She is the self-proclaimed “girl next door who never wants to turn down a meal” making her one of the most relatable YouTubers in the fitness industry. Carly has an inclusive range of fitness videos: home workouts, gym workouts and even family workouts.
YouTube: @Carlyrowena
17. Bradley Martyn
While his weightlifting workouts are intense, Bradley Martyn offers exercises for people of all fitness levels, and the results show for themselves. He gives exercises for beginners, back workouts and more. He also has motivational videos, Q&A’s and how-to videos.
YouTube: @bradleymartynonline
18. OFFICIALTHENX
Founder of fitness program THENX, Chris Heria, combines callisthenics and weights in his fitness videos and has amassed an enormous following in the ten years he has been working. The best thing about the channel is that Chris caters to people of any ability.
YouTube: @TheMiamiTrainer
19. CT Fletcher
CT Fletcher has been in the fitness industry since the 80s, doing weightlifting and powerlifting. Unfortunately, since then, he has been plagued by medical issues that resulted in heart surgery. However, this hasn’t stopped him, and it is so inspirational to watch his videos and see that someone who suffered physically is still capable of doing amazing things. His videos keep you motivated and make you want to get off the couch and live life as fully as CT himself does.
YouTube: @CTTheTrainer
20. Sarah Dussault
Sarah Fit is a fitness channel created by mom and influencer Sarah Dussault. She uses her channel to post videos on healthy living with healthy recipes, workout videos and family tips. Her channel is immensely popular with over 31 million views and is much loved by young mothers looking to live a healthier lifestyle.
YouTube: @SarahsFabChannel
Hopefully, at least one of these YouTube workout channels will cater to your taste and get your heart rate pumping. As can be seen from these inspirational fitness channels, working out and living healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be rather fun. So click on one and get going.