The best beginner's home workout video lists for women

Do you feel like going to the gym and starting your fitness journey sounds like a lot of commitment? Not sure if you will be able to follow through? Starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to working out and unsure where to begin. Going to the gym is also another story. You will have to commit at least 1.5 - 2 hours of your time from your everyday life, which can also be too much for a beginner. The good news is that home workouts offer a convenient, affordable, and flexible way to get fit, all from the comfort of your living room.

For women, especially beginners, home gym workouts eliminate the need for expensive gym memberships, a personal trainer, and intimidating equipment. (Only set up you will need is a set of dumbbells & a yoga mat) Whether you’re looking to build strength, weight loss (fat loss), boost your cardio, or just stay active, there are countless resources available online. In this blog, we’ll dive into the benefits of home workouts and share some of the best beginner-friendly YouTube videos perfect for women (specially women over 40). Get ready to find your new favorite fitness routine and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!

What are the benefits of Home Workouts?

Convenience and Flexibility: Home workouts provide the ultimate convenience. You can exercise whenever it suits your schedule, whether that's early in the morning, during a lunch break, or late at night. With no need to commute to a gym, you can easily fit workouts into your day without any hassle. It is a lot easier to make your exercise routine that could last longer and be more consistent.
Cost-Effective: Say goodbye to costly gym memberships and personal training fees. With home workouts, you can access a wealth of free resources online, including YouTube workout videos. All you need is a few basic pieces of equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and a yoga mat to get started.
Privacy and Comfort: For many beginners, the gym can be an intimidating place. Working out at home allows you to exercise in a private and comfortable environment. You can wear whatever you want, listen to your favorite music, and take breaks whenever you need them, all without feeling self-conscious.
Customizable Workouts: Home workouts offer the flexibility to tailor your fitness routine to your specific needs and goals. Whether you're interested in cardio, strength training, yoga, or Pilates, there are endless options available online. You can mix and match different types of workouts to keep things interesting and challenging.

Effectiveness of Home Workouts

Home workouts can be incredibly effective if you stay consistent and committed. Many online workout programs are designed by professional trainers and fitness experts who know how to create routines that target various muscle groups and fitness levels. Let's say you want to start strength workouts, especially for the upper body, you can search through the best online program and work on only the upper body if you want to. A great video will tell you what good form is and how it should be done. By following a well-structured plan, starting with bodyweight workouts, and gradually increasing the intensity, you can achieve significant improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness.

How to Stay Committed and Consistent

Find a Workout Buddy: Having a workout buddy can significantly boost your motivation and accountability. You can encourage each other, share progress, and even do virtual workouts together. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone from an online fitness community, a workout buddy can make your fitness journey more enjoyable and consistent.
Keep a Fitness Journal: Sure you have the fitness plan but racking your workouts, progress, and how you feel after each session can be a great way to stay committed. A fitness journal helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you motivated to continue. Write down your goals, achievements, and any challenges you face along the way. ***You can click here to download our FREE fitness planner/journal.

Mix Up Your Routine: Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your workouts. Mixing up your routine prevents boredom and keeps your body challenged. Try different types of workouts, like weight training, cardio, yoga, and dance, to keep things interesting.
Set Reminders and Alarms: Setting reminders and alarms on your phone can help you stay on track with your workout schedule. Treat your workout time like any other important appointment and stick to it. Consistency is crucial to forming a habit and seeing results.
Reward Yourself: Rewarding yourself for reaching small milestones can be a great motivator. Whether it’s a new piece of workout gear, a relaxing bath, or a favorite healthy treat, giving yourself rewards can make the fitness journey more enjoyable and keep you committed.
Join Online Communities: Engaging with online fitness communities can provide support, motivation, and accountability. You can share your progress, ask for advice, and connect with others who have similar fitness goals. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and fitness forums are great places to find such communities.

Beginner Workout Plan for Women

This general plan is good for any beginners who want to start their fitness journey. Good workout should include strength training days & cardio days . The combination will help muscle growth & weight loss. It is also important to eat healthy and make this a lifestyle going forward. (Click here to learn more about your macros and how to eat healthy)

Monday: Full-Body Strength Training (full-body exercise)
Tuesday: Cardio
Wednesday: Rest or Active Recovery (e.g., light stretching or yoga)
Thursday: Lower Body Strength Training
Friday: Cardio
Saturday: Upper Body Strength Training
Sunday: Rest or Active Recovery

**Rest Days: Take a full day off to allow your muscles to recover.

**Active Recovery: Engage in light activities like walking, gentle yoga, or stretching.

Best Beginner's YouTube At-home Workout Videos for Women (Best workout programs that women 40 actually recommends)

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the best workouts, and beginner-friendly videos on YouTube, divided into strength training and cardio categories. These videos are perfect for women looking to kickstart their fitness journey from home. You will only need minimal equipment to start with. (a set of dumbbells & a yoga mat)

Strength Training Workouts

You will most likely need minimal equipment for these great at-home workout. Sets of dumbbells, yoga mat and resistance bands would be the perfect starting points.

**1. Cheryl Coulombe @LiftwithCee - great for - Full Body Workout** (https://www.youtube.com/@LiftwithCee)

Cheryl Coulombe's "Beginner Strength Workouts" series is perfect for those new to strength training. This series focuses on building foundational strength with easy-to-follow routines that require minimal equipment. Each video provides modifications to ensure accessibility for all fitness levels.

Key Features:

Beginner-Friendly: Simple, effective exercises.
Minimal Equipment: Often uses body weight or basic equipment like dumbbells.
Comprehensive: Covers all major muscle groups.
Clear Instructions: Step-by-step guidance to ensure proper form and technique

**2. Sydney Cummings Houdyshell @sydneycummingshoudyshell - great for absolute begginers** (https://www.youtube.com/@sydneycummingshoudyshell)

Most Popular Series: "Summertime Fine 2024"

Sydney Cummings Houdyshell's "Summertime Fine" series is a fan favorite, offering a mix of strength, cardio, and HIIT workouts designed to get you in shape for summer. This series includes a variety of workouts that target different muscle groups and provide a full-body training experience.

Key Features:

Daily Workouts: Fresh content uploaded regularly.
Diverse Workouts: Includes strength, cardio, HIIT, and recovery.
Structured Programs: Organized to provide a balanced fitness regimen.
Motivational: Sydney's positive energy and encouragement.

**3. Caroline Girvan @CarolineGirvan - Great for someone who has done some exercise but begginer in strength training ** (https://www.youtube.com/@CarolineGirvan)

Most Popular Series: "IRON Series"

Caroline Girvan's "IRON Series" is highly popular and known for its intense, effective strength training workouts. This series is designed for 6 weeks to help you build muscle, increase strength, and improve overall fitness through a variety of challenging routines.

Key Features:

Strength-Focused: Emphasizes muscle building and strength gains.
Challenging: Ideal for those looking to push their fitness to the next level.
Comprehensive: Full-body workouts that target all muscle groups.
Detailed Guidance: Caroline provides clear instructions and demonstrations.

**4. Coach Kozak and Claudia @HASfit ** (https://www.youtube.com/@HASfit)

Most Popular Series: "30 Day Muscle Building"

HASfit's "30 Day Muscle Building" series is a favorite for those looking to gain muscle mass and strength. This series offers a structured month-long program with a mix of workouts that progressively increase in intensity, helping you achieve significant muscle growth and strength improvements.

Key Features:

Structured Program: A daily workout plan designed for 30 days.
Muscle Building Focus: Emphasizes strength and hypertrophy.
Progressive Workouts: Gradually increase in intensity to continually challenge your muscles.
Variety: Includes different types of strength exercises to target all major muscle groups.
Motivational: HASfit's trainers provide encouragement and guidance to keep you on track.

Cardio

**1. FitnessBlender - 30 Minute Fat Burning Cardio Workout** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmF2m6cEgEw)

FitnessBlender, run by Daniel and Kelli, offers a vast library of workout videos catering to all fitness levels. Their 30-minute fat-burning cardio workout is ideal for beginners, featuring low-impact exercises that get your heart rate up without being too strenuous. The video includes a warm-up and cool-down, making it a comprehensive session for new exercisers.

**2. Chloe Ting - 2024 Weight Loss Challenge** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNbfJu_ZxcM&list=PLAFs3kxY4h1_nk1GlIYMMlAlGYgPbe57B)

Chloe Ting's workout challenges have gained massive popularity for their effectiveness and accessibility. Her 2024 Weight Loss Challenge includes a series of beginner-friendly videos focusing on different areas such as core, legs, and full-body workouts. Chloe's positive attitude and the supportive community around her challenges make them highly motivating.

**3. POPSUGAR Fitness - 10-Minute Cardio Dance Abs Workout** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTH5saFBDqA)

If you enjoy dancing, POPSUGAR Fitness offers a fun and engaging 10-minute cardio dance abs workout. Led by professional dancers and trainers, this video combines dance moves with core exercises to help you burn calories and tone your abs. It's a great way to add variety to your routine and keep things exciting.

**4. Yoga with Adriene - Yoga for Complete Beginners** (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE)

Yoga with Adriene is a fantastic resource for those new to yoga. Her "Yoga for Complete Beginners" video is a gentle introduction to basic yoga poses and breathing techniques. Adriene's calming voice and clear instructions make yoga accessible and enjoyable, helping you build flexibility, strength, and relaxation.

Tips for a Successful Home Workout Routine

Set Realistic Goals: Starting a new fitness routine can be exciting, but it's essential to set realistic and achievable goals. Begin with small, manageable targets and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you progress.
Create a Dedicated Workout Space: Having a specific area in your home designated for workouts can help you stay focused and motivated. Whether it's a corner of your living room, a spare room, or even your backyard, make sure it's a space where you feel comfortable and can move freely.
Invest in Basic Equipment: While many beginner workouts require no equipment, having a few basic items can enhance your routine. Consider investing in a yoga mat, resistance bands, dumbbells. These tools can add variety to your workouts and help you target different muscle groups. If you are not sure about the dumbells, you can learn more about it here : The best set of dumbbells for women's fitness [2024]
Follow a Schedule: Consistency is key to seeing results. Create a workout schedule that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. Whether you prefer working out daily or a few times a week, having a plan will help you stay on track and make exercise a regular part of your routine.
Listen to Your Body: As a beginner, it's crucial to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain, and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed. Over time, you'll build strength and endurance, allowing you to gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
Stay Motivated: Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when working out at home. Find ways to keep yourself inspired, such as setting new goals, tracking your progress, or joining online fitness communities. Surrounding yourself with positive influences and reminders of why you started can help you stay committed to your fitness journey.

Starting a home workout routine is a fantastic way to take control of your fitness journey, offering you the flexibility, privacy, and affordability you need to succeed. With the right resources and a bit of dedication, you can achieve amazing results from the comfort of your own home. The YouTube workout videos we've highlighted, divided into strength training and cardio, are perfect for beginners looking to get started. Remember, the key to success is consistency, so find the routines that you enjoy and stick with them. Stay motivated, listen to your body, and most importantly, have fun! Here’s to a healthier, stronger, and happier you.