Home Workouts With or Without Equipment!

by Claire Gendron

If you’re looking for short, efficient workouts, I highly suggest checking out some of @samiclarke ‘s. Her workouts and exercise programs are posted mainly through the @fitplanapp, which is currently offering a 14-day free trial. However, to encourage everyone to stay active, Sami has been posting numerous at-home workouts on her Instagram page in addition to live streaming her own follow-along workouts a few times a week. All of her Instagram workouts are 30 minutes or less and can be done with or without basic equipment. I’ve been loving these because they typically consist of 3 rounds of exercises, following a 45-second on, 15-second off format. This style, combined with her passionate and motivating instruction, makes her workouts enjoyable and passes the time quickly. I specifically like the upper body workout posted on April 21; it uses light weights and builds strength in your arms, chest, and back with a repeated series of eight exercises. The total workout is only 24 minutes, and I liked how the exercises were marked by time (as opposed to being rep-based), as I thought this allowed me to focus more on the form and quality of each. 

I’ve been having trouble with yoga lately since my focus and attention span is definitely being tested… however, I’m still trying to incorporate some form of stretch into my morning routine since it helps me start my day and wake up both mentally and physically. What’s working best for me right now is the 15-minute “Rise & Flow Yoga” on the Nike Training Club app. Although it’s a premium workout, it’s currently included with all free memberships. The flow is quick and direct, and the instructor's upbeat approach is an excellent alternative to a more calm, meditative practice. I’d suggest this workout if you need a little energy-booster or simply want to jump-start your morning, and it’s also a great way to stretch and loosen up before a higher-intensity workout. 

After trying so many different workouts, I’ve found that HIIT is my preferred style. I love the fast pace and constant movement, and I always feel like they push me to work my hardest. I’ve tried a variety of HIIT workouts and even made my own, but I think @rocamoons’ “Quick Full Body Fat Burner” might be my favorite. Similar to her sculpt & flow that I mentioned last week, this workout is posted on her Instagram IGTV and YouTube page. The total workout is 24 minutes, including the warm-up, and consists of three rounds of six exercises each. It doesn’t require any equipment and modifications are provided for each exercise, making it optimal for any level. Moana’s energy compliments the high intensity of the exercises, especially since the workout is filmed in a follow-along style. These exercises are great for cardio endurance and conditioning, and the addition of body-weight exercises can help build strength; I’d definitely recommend trying this one out for a good sweat.