I used to think that workout videos were something that only moms in sitcoms about the 80's did. But once my days of high school athletics were over, I realized I had no idea how to workout on my own. I was used to being told exactly how much to run, swim, lift, etc., but suddenly I didn't have a coach there to do that for me. Getting a personal trainer or even a gym membership was totally out of the question because of the cost. So, I started doing videos, and I realized that even though they can get cheesy sometimes, there is something to be said for getting a full workout in your own home for free. And of course there's the added benefit of not having to count your own reps; it means you can just zone out and focus less on that burning feeling in your muscles.

I always especially love finding core/ab workout videos because it means I can take a break from the usual routine of just doing a bunch of crunches after cardio. Here are a few good ones I've found for beginners like me:

1. Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack Level 1

Equipment: dumbbells optional

What I like: there are modifications for beginners and more advanced people (don't worry, you can work up to it over time!). At 35 minutes, it's one of the longer videos on this list, so I like to do it on days when I have a little extra time on my hands. Jillian incorporates a lot of other muscle groups as well in this one, so your glutes, thighs, and shoulders will definitely be feeling it too.

2. Fitness Blender: Ab Workout For People Who Get Bored Easily

Equipment: none

What I like: they show you a preview of what the exercise looks like in the upper left hand corner before it starts. Also, as the title states, it's great for people who get bored easily because none of the exercises are repeated. There's no annoying background music, so you can play your own playlist and still keep the volume on the video high enough to hear her instructions.

3. 10 Min Intense Ab Workout

Equipment: none

What I like: There's no talking in this video. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I like videos where the instructor pumps you up like a real-life personal trainer, but after doing the same video over and over again, sometimes I start to memorize their lines; then the talking just gets annoying and isn't motivational anymore. Also, this video is a good length for those times when you're just doing abs quickly at the end of another workout.

4. 12 Minute Standing Abs With Dumbbell Workout

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Equipment: dumbbells

What I like: it's good for people who are getting sick of the same old laying down mat work. Also, the standing and the resistance from the weight adds a bit more cardio than you'd get from just doing variations of crunches.

5. 10 Minute Intense Lower Ab Workout

Equipment: Medicine ball

What I like: the focus on the lower abs. I always feel like this is a tough area to tone, especially because I just didn't know a lot of lower ab exercises besides reverse crunches before doing this.

These are just a few of my favorite ab workouts I've found on YouTube. Be sure to check out all of their individual channels/sites if you want lower body, upper body, cardio, or any other types of workouts!