Yahoo Lifestyle 'I'm a Health Editor—Here Are My 7 Favorite Beginner Workouts on YouTube'
If 2025 is the year you vowed to start working out finally—or get back to it after a long hiatus—I'm fully on board with that mission.
Regular exercise helps prevent a wide range of chronic diseases, from cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome to some cancers. It is also great for memory: Studies show that regular movement helps build new neural pathways like nothing else, helping to improve short-term memory.
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Exercise can also lift your mood, help you maintain a healthy weight, increase your energy...and I could go on and on. Long story short, exercise is really good for you. But getting started or jumping back into it can be tough, especially after an indulgent holiday season. That's why I've rounded up the 7 best free beginner workouts on YouTube to help you get started.
7 Best Free Beginner Workouts on YouTube
1. A full-body HIIT workout, no equipment required
If "high-intensity interval training"—a.k.a HIIT—intimidates you, this 25-minute full-body HIIT workout will help you feel a lot more confident. With this full-body routine, you'll get all the benefits of exercise without a long time commitment—or equipment!
Related: 'I'm a Health Editor—Here Are My 6 Favorite Beginner Pilates Workouts on YouTube'
2. 10-minute morning yoga stretch
As a certified yoga instructor, I've been raving about the benefits of yoga for years from both a mental and physical standpoint. Yoga helps with both strength and flexibility, and this 10-minute morning stretch is a great place to start.
3. A free 10-minute Pilates workout for beginners
Ah, Pilates! It's amazing for your core and your overall body strength. But Pilates doesn't have to be done on a giant reformer that may resemble a medieval torture device. This 10-minute Pilates workout will help you learn the basics of Pilates and get you started on your journey.
4. A 15-minute beginner dumbbell workout
If "figure out how to lift weights" has been on your to-do list for a while now, this free, non-intimidating YouTube workout will help you get started. All you need is a set of light weights, and you'll be good to go.
Related: The 5 Very Best Yoga Workouts on YouTube
5. A 30-minute low-impact cardio workout
Go achy joints? This 30-minute low-impact cardio workout will help you get all the benefits of cardio without any jumping or wear and tear on your knees.
6. An all-standing beginner workout
Don't feel like bending down? This 10-minute morning workout is done standing and is easy to fit into a busy day. Plus, it's beginner-approved.
7. A 10-minute yoga shoulder opener
If you're dealing with "tech neck" (who isn't?) this short shoulder-opening yoga flow from Yoga with Adriene will help open up your neck, shoulders and upper back in just 10 minutes.
Up Next:
Related: The #1 Workout Mistake That Could Be Hindering Your Weight Loss Goals
Sources
Acute and Chronic Exercise Effects on Human Memory: What We Know and Where to Go from Here, Journal of Clinical Medicine.
