When we moved to Fiji, I started working out at home, using YouTube videos as a guide. I used to be a stickler for the gym, but I absolutely love my new structure. It’s allowed me to expand my fitness base by increasing my physical skills.
I’ve spent a little over a year learning the basics of boxing and kickboxing by watching videos from trainers and professional fighters. I don’t have a heavy bag, but that hasn’t stopped me. I focus on shadow boxing and kicking. As a beginner, this let’s me hone technique. I’ve achieved basic power and fluidity from my home workouts, concentrating on boxing, Muay Thai and a bit of Taekwondo.
I like to mix things up to keep my workouts interesting, too. I incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, pilates and ab work into my fitness regime. I’m also working toward full splits (almost there!).
Here are four fitness channels I currently have on rotation. I work out five days a week and aim for a mix of cardio and strength training per session. I mix videos daily, depending on my goals for the day.
Chris Heria and ThenX
This young man from Miami has millions of followers on his personal channel and his ThenX (The School of Calisthenics) channel, and it’s easy to see why. He does insane calisthenics moves, and he makes it achievable by breaking down the steps. I’m not focused on advanced calisthenics at the moment, but I like his channels for HIIT videos. I’m also a big fan of his ab workouts, especially the ones that use weights; they are excellent for building/maintaining core strength.
Pentagon MMA
This mixed martial arts studio, based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, puts out full workout videos every six months or so, it seems. Yes, that is quite a long time between videos, but the handful they have available are staples in my routine. I go back to them now and again if I want a dedicated Muay Thai session. Good for cardio and endurance.
Nate Bower Fitness
If you want to learn/practice boxing, Nate Bower offers a variety of workouts, ranging from short HIIT to longer boxing sessions. I like to do a HIIT workout by him after I’ve done a kicking workout for skills balance.
ATB 