How to Get in the Best Shape at Home

I’m not going to lie, I had a slight meltdown when the gyms closed their doors. I thought it was doomsday- what the hell am I going to do without a gym and reformer pilates machine? Hello freshman 15.

In hindsight, it was the greatest blessing in disguise. I think we all learned how to be a bit more self sufficient during lockdown and kick some of our bad spending habits to the curb. Like Marie Forleo says, “everything is figureoutable” (great book btw)

Between my pricey gym membership at Lifetime and SLT classes I was spending a whopping $650 a month in membership fees. Yep, you heard me right. Insane. I consider fitness to be quintessential to my physical and mental health so any amount of money spent was somehow justified. Man, that was a much needed wake up call.

So since we’ve all been forced to stay at home I decided to look into online classes that mimicked the workouts I would do in the studio. I ordered myself a new yoga mat, a pair of 3 lb dumbbells, and resistance bands (these work amazing and don’t roll up when you’re using them)

The results?

I’m down 10 lbs and in the best shape of my life! I find I’m much more consistent now that I’m working out from home since I don’t have to leave the house anymore. I actually look forward to my 30-40 minute daily workouts, it’s my little escape from the world.

They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit and I’m on month 3 and completely conditioned. I honestly don’t think I will be going back to the gym because I’ve fallen in love with my online instructors and new routine. Plus spending all that money a month is absurd!

I’m personally into slow resistance pilates or anything that chisels my abs and makes my ass burn. I’m sure there’s a million good personal training programs out I’m going to spill the tea on the ones that I love most – and the best part? Most of these channels are free!

my favorite at home workouts

XB PILATES

Why I love it:

✓ 30 minute workouts

✓ barre and reformer pilates inspired moves

✓ fitness equipment is optional – modifications are given

✓ all fitness levels

Check out XB Pilates here

NICOLE KASTOUN PILATES YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Why I love it:

✓ 30-50 minute workouts

✓ slow resistance mat work

✓ leaning exercises for slim legs and thighs

✓ love the aesthetic of her videos + her voice is so soothing!

Check out Nicole Kastoun’s channel here

BLOGILATES

Why I love it:

✓ her high energy and music playlist makes class so much fun!

✓ high variety of workouts

✓ 10, 20, 30, hour long classes

✓ monthly challenges to keep you on track

Check out Blogilates here

SYDNEY CUMMINGS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Why I love it:

✓ strength training + fat burning classes

✓ weights and resistance bands

✓ HIIT + cardio bursts for max calories scorched

✓ I’m always burning the next day!

Check out Sydney Cummings here

GymRa

Why I love it:

✓ beach and pool scenery

✓ tightening + leaning + sculpting exercises

✓ serious burn!

✓ lots of diversity

Check out GymRa here