My favourite at home movement channels!

As I write this draft, Southern Tasmania has entered its first snap, ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown since the first stage of the COVID pandemic hit our shores in 2020.

I’m not going to diss what an incredibly fortunate position this is to be in.

But one of the big challenges was getting out of my normal safety net, of my regular yoga schedule, and my gym routine.

And returning to lockdown has reminded me of some of the great tools I have been able to access since the pandemic.

I love a home workout!

Pre YouTube I definitely owned some Aerobics Oz Style, some of the Carmen Electra DVDs.. I think even the ‘hotpants’ workout inspired by Kylie Minogue!

My taste has evolved a bit since then.

But I still love something you can do at home in your own time and at your own schedule.

When I first started to want to focus on my wellbeing, I definitely wanted to get more confidence up in my movement ability. I had my yoga classes, but I was nervous about going back to a gym environment feeling like a complete ‘noob’ as the kids say.

Lockdown changed the game

COVID definitely changed things up. While it was once an ‘add on’ to my normal yoga or dancing activities, I now needed something to rely on.

But if you have followed me for a while, you’d be aware that I am definitely sensitive to diet culture messaging, and a lot of things around weight loss have a real negative affect on my wellbeing. I love LOVE exercise, for the joy it brings me - the endorphin rush, the mental clarity, feeling stronger. But I definitely have to train myself out of that mindset of “I must workout to burn off X calories”. Or seeing physical activity as a way of punishing myself.

So finding places that would give me a good workout (because I don’t have the skills to just make something up!) but didn’t have that weight loss or weight loss = good, focus was always going to be a challenge.

So behold, here are my favourite channels and workouts that I think have more positive and balanced massaging - that still get you moving, feeling great.

I’ve tried to include a few different ones, but be warned I am a bit of a gym junkie so there’s not a whole lot of beginner/ injury friendly stuff.

Sydney Cummings (Overall Channel)

By far the channel I go to and use the most (and have done even when gyms have opened up!) is Sydney Cummings.

(TRIGGER: Some of her older videos, have the calorie burn in the title ,something to be mindful of)

Both her channel and her Instagram will rarely mention weight loss. The workout aims will focus you on mindset, sleeping well, taking time for yourself, feeling strong and enjoying moving. Not feeling bad for modifying or reducing impact where needed.

All of this speaks to me - getting a workout but focusing on all the other benefits. I also love that this is feedback she has obviously taken on board. If you look at earlier videos they note the calorie burn for example, but you can see in the past 12 months or more she has moved her focus - not on being the sweatiest, pushing or punishing yourself - but on trying stuff to feel good in your body and appreciate what you can do today.

It’s not beginner beginner friendly, but I also appreciate now there is a modification window so you can take jumping out, reduce your weights, use a resistance band or similar.

No weights? There is a whole bodyweight only playlist that is great if you are stuck at home or maybe (heaven forbid!) travelling and don’t have access to equipment.

And some great stretch videos if that’s more your jam. I often send students that way for ideas!

Arian Levanael

Aka the Amazing Ari for my burlesque tribe.

This is an amazing yoga channel, if that is more up your street.

You can go through the playlists for focusing on learning specific things - like breathing techniques or meditations. I also love there are whole beginner series on the channel breaking down core yoga sequences like sun salutations. I think this would be really helpful even if you are going into a regular yoga class in person but maybe haven’t had a lot of practice - you will definitely get some foundation moves down and learn some great modifications.

An advanced yogi? Yes, no problem, There are heaps of strength building classes, headstand and inversion classes to sort you out!

Boxing and Bubbles

I discovered Christa through PopSugar - but I focus on searching out her workouts any time I feel like more cardio or boxing. Good to get out the angst!

There are some really good modifications offered (not great if you can’t do impact naturally- but it will take the sting out!). But it’s also that mind - body connection that is focused on. Not how many calories you burned today or beating yourself up.

And I have to say you feel pretty badass at the end of a session!

Did any of this help you or put you in the mindset of looking for some new movement activities?

Any beginner level suggestions (because these aren’t all great for that) ?

Leave a comment below!