The Best Instagram Trainers For Quick At-Home Workouts
Don’t get me wrong—I have nothing but deep-seated disgust respect for all the SoulCycling betches out there. But for me, paying $40 to feel bad about my Target sports bra and distinct lack of abs is not really something I’m willing to do. In my very busy, #adulting life, I have specific requirements for my workouts. They should be free, doable from home, and under 30 minutes. Oh, and actually feel like a workout—aka I should break a sweat and/or actively find it difficult. As it turns out, not everyone is as lazy innovative as me, so finding workouts that met all these criteria actually took a while. We all know the queen of quick at-home workouts, Kayla Itsines, but here are a few others for when you want to mix it up/be able to walk the next day. Without further ado, here are my favorite trainers with quick at-home workouts that actually work. You’re so welcome.

Pamela Reif

I don’t remember how or where I came across Pamela Reif, but she now plays an alarmingly large role in my life. Like, my boyfriend knows her name because I show him her Instagram so often. It’s weird. Anyway, a quick scroll through her IG will reveal that her fitness routine is no joke—and neither are her abs. While she does legit gym sessions too, she’s also the creator of several 10- and 20-minute no-equipment workouts that will leave you feeling like you just got out of Barry’s in one-third of the time. She also reposts pictures on her story of ~regular people~ who do her YouTube workouts and tag her, and no lie, over half have mini six packs. My favorite videos are the 10-min “Booty Burn,” 10-min “Sixpack Workout,” and 20-min “Flat Belly & Round Booty“. (Leg day freaks, don’t @ me). If you only have 10 minutes to work out but want to be sore for three days, I can’t recommend her ab workouts enough. Oh, and here’s what HER abs look like, if you needed more convincing:

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Are you excited for your life’s journey or are you afraid of it? As you know, I truly believe in trusting the timing of my life. But that doesn’t mean I’m leaning back & waiting for everything to fall into place haha. ‘Cause being a little girlboss just feels too damn good! Being confident enough to take control of decisions that look like risks – you’ll say that’s easy but it’s usually way more comfortable to not take risks ??‍♀️ staying in a comfort zone is nice for some time but having the strength to get OUT of the comfort zone feels way better! And that’s why I work – every single day & with passion. And I fully believe you can’t go wrong, as long as you let your heart speak & follow what it desires ♡ – – ? to celebrate the La Garconne launch one of my followers can win the watch by following @cluse & liking this picture and commenting here when you’re done ??? I will pick the winner in 24h! Good luck ♥️♥️♥️ #iamlagarconne #cluse ♡

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Gina M. Florio

I came across Gina Florio for the first time through Popsugar Fitness, which posted this kettlebell workout. Yes, the fact that it requires equipment is a little more high-maintenance than I care to get, but if you don’t own two kettlebells (pro tip, dumbbells will work too), you should seriously consider investing. It’ll cost less than a month’s access to a very cheap gym, and you can do SO MUCH with them. Gina’s Instagram is filled with quick at-home workouts with kettlebells, and every one I’ve tried so far is brutal in the best way. She breaks her workouts down so you’re only doing 2-4 reps at a time, but you’ll do 4-5 sets total. Personally, I love this system because it’s much easier to trick your body into doing just 2 more than it is to do just 25 more. You’ll definitely feel like you’re dying between rounds, but you’ll be done in 20 minutes and feel like a badass now that you know how to do things like snatches and dead cleans.

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Short on time? Need a full-body workout? Step away from the elliptical and give this double kettlebell complex a try! Those cardio machines are a waste of time, especially when you compare them to a workout like this that offers everything from strength to conditioning to coordination. Use 2 medium to heavy kettlebells • 2 push-ups — 2 gorilla rows — 2 dead cleans — 2 thrusters (squat and press). 4 reps, 4-5 rounds in total • Every day I fall more in love with the kettlebell. The possibilities are endless. Not only can you use KBs for classic strength work, but you can also string together a wide variety of movements to create a comprehensive workout that hits multiple muscle groups at once. If you're brand new to KBs, grab 2 8kg bells and try this workout. It burns so good ??? • Decked out in @gymsharkwomen #gymsharkwomen • Who wants to try? Tag me #getstrongwithgina #strongvegan #poweredbyplants #kettlebells #fullbodyworkout

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Fiji McAlpine

Some days, any kind of jumping/lifting seems like too much—even if it’s only 20 minutes. When I really can’t stomach HIIT-type action but want to justify the cookie I ate a lunch, I turn to my all time favorite yogi: Fiji McAlpine. You’ll note that I did not link to an Instagram there. In demonstration of what a pure and legit yoga-teaching soul she is, she doesn’t have one. Instead, you can find her workouts on DoYogaWithMe, an amazing website that shares a ton of free yoga videos for all lengths/focuses/levels. I discovered Fiji in particular early on through a friend’s recommendation, and I’m obsessed with all the videos in her 14-Day Challenge. Especially, as I’m sure you guessed, the ones that are 20 or 25 minutes. Her classes are labeled as Intermediate, but I am by all accounts a Beginner and really didn’t struggle with her classes. I just had to work my way up to certain poses, which she assures you in her very soothing voice is normal and ok. Fiji’s approach to yoga is a perfect combination of deep stretches and active movement, so you don’t get burnt out on either way but you never feel like you’re wasting your time. If you’re up for some light core work and can’t remember the last time you stretched, Fiji’s yoga classes will feel amazing. Just trust me.

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Shawnigan Lake, BC yoga teacher #FijiMcAlpine shares her passion for the practice with the globe, encouraging #selflove and wellness for all. Fiji teaches at #KaliYoga and on @doyogawithme, a free yoga website. As a mother of two, Fiji hopes her love of yoga and appreciation for mindfulness teaches her kids the importance of inner strength and health. She tells #AQuarterYoung, "I have been very open about how yoga literally saved my life by learning to reconnect to my physical self in a healthy and loving way. I struggled to overcome anorexia for years and it was yoga that finally provided the therapy that I needed and that my mind would actually respond to. It is not surprising as eating disorders happen when we try to sever the connection of our mind and body or use one to overcome the other. I think yoga should be an essential component to all treatments and therapies for eating disorders." Read the full story now – link in bio! ???? . . . . #workout #freeyoga #yoga #inspire #love #loveandlight #bodypositivity #selfcare #family #mentalhealth #health #meditation #exercise #movement #motivate #treatment #therapy #advice #doyoga #bemindful #moms #bestrong #yvr #yogapose #guidance

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There you have it! My fave ab/butt-focused, full body, and yoga workouts. All free, all minimal equipment, and all under 30 minutes. So next time your flaky friend pulls a bad sushi excuse and bails on SoulCycle, maybe put the $40 toward a new pair of shoes and try one of these instead.
Images: Instagram; Instagram; Instagram; Bruce Mars / Pexels