Crossfit athlete tries trendy fit influencer workouts

Home workouts are a great way to start moving your body, get the blood bumping and increase your heart rate: which are all desirable for humans trying to stay healthy (and age gracefully).

I took it upon myself to explore some of the options available online that virtually anyone can do in their living room. And then rate them against my experience as a Crossfitter. In short, I like training in a crossfit box, music blaring, loads of equipment and on-hand coaching.

Honestly, I would not enjoy working out in my living room. My opinion is that your home is a place to relax and chill, not fit in a workout. Working out in a different location than your couch, also motivates you to keep going and not take it too easy.

Remember: different goals require different approaches and training programs.

1. THENX

When I first came across Chris Heria’s *ripped* content I thought: you buff tattooed guy, you don’t scare me. I’m fit!

I was panting already 5 minutes into the whole 20-min routine. I found this very effective. Chris Keeps the pace high and you’re guaranteed to break a sweat. The movements were well-known and not too challenging. Apart from one routine that didn’t include any repetition: I felt challenged the whole way through!

Recommend: those who enjoy high intensity training. If I wasn’t so dependent on crowds, I would continue with his workouts. They are fool proof.

2. Rachel Gulotta Fitness

After reading this, I should have known my glutes would be on fire! Rachel seems like a very kind and gentle soul, just helping you along to your dream bod. However, it was not my vibe. Main issue being the music in her videos: they are very relaxing and I got bored so quickly. I will, however, commend her for the range of movements she incorporates: some of them I have never seen!

Recommend: those who enjoy a relaxing scene, and trains at a slower pace while getting toned.

3. Juice and Toya

They make such a great team! I was intimidated at first by their setup. But once I started this workout, I enjoyed it. The pace is high and the movements are interesting: I was not bored during this one.

I love that there’s two of them. One offers a modified version, while the other shows a more advanced version of the movement. This allows you scale back when you feel fatigued. Giving you a chance to jump back into it when you’re ready.

P.s – I opted for the scaled down version way too often, instead of challenging myself :/ That’s why I prefer training in a group, the people next to me keep me motivated.

Recommend: people wanting to get their heart rate up and want a rewarding challenge.

4. Move with Nicole

At-home pilates is something I did not think I would EVER try. Pilates is very challenging, even for fit people like me. It’s because it’s a whole other ball game!

Pilates is all about a strong core and building that strength. A strong core ensures stability and prevents injury to an extent.

As for Nicole, I enjoyed her gentle voice that guides you through the routine. You will experience fatigue, it can be challenging, but it was so fun! My one critique is that I would have appreciated a timer to see how long each movement was.

Recommend: those wanting to try something different to HIIT or weighted movements. People who want to build their core strength.

5. MIDAS MVMT

I instantly felt hardcore throughout Tomi’s routine. I also appreciated that he made a point of incorporating a time to warm up and cool down!

His videos make you believe that you CAN workout anywhere, with some set in his bedroom, a park or living room. The muscle pump you get after completely a workout is insane: I’m really glad I gave this one a go!

Dumbbells are a step up, especially for beginners wanting to progress. With that being said, this specific routine should not be your go-to if you’re just starting out – there is just too much room to mess up your form or hurt yourself.

Recommend: people wanting a great muscle pump and progress in their fitness journey. Not entirely suitable for beginners, but can be done virtually anywhere.

Remember, all you need is at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity PER WEEK. Aerobic means physical activity that increases your heart rate and the body’s oxygen use. And when you put that number against an entire week: it doesn’t seem so impossible.

Whatever you find to be at least challenging: do that. Push past your comfort zone and think: ‘done, is better than perfect’.

On that note, these fit-fluencers online did not achieve their god-like builds by ONLY doing the 20-minute workouts they promote.Being as fit as them, takes years of muscle conditioning and various types of training. DO not compare your results to their body shapes.