The 34 coolest online workouts that you can do from home during COVID-19

Joel Olson • April 19, 2020

 


 

1. Fitness Blender:  https://www.fitnessblender.com/videos

 

This husband and wife team’s websites contain a plethora of workouts. Workouts contain a total body, strength, pilates, kickboxing. The workouts contain a variety of different options for time, so its something you can use regardless of how much time you have. They also have some paid options for some more custom plans.

 

2. Do Yoga with Me:  https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes

 

The majority of the classes are filmed outdoors in BC. Do Yoga with me, contains yoga classes for all different levels. It also has options for kids as young as two years old and a section for seniors. Another added feature is they have a lot of yoga videos that target specific areas that you may want to target.

 

3. Orange Theory Fitness:  https://www.orangetheory.com/en-us/athome/

 

This science-based workout around getting your heart rate to go through several different zones to achieve maximum results has “At-Home” workouts that contain cardio and strength training. All of the workouts contain options for household objects you can use for the weight component.

 

4. Upside-Down Pilates:

 

  https://www.youtube.com/user/jefforig/videos

 

Video workouts here contain various pilates workouts for all levels. Workouts are designed for at home, or even when traveling. Many of the workouts are quite short, and there is also some to go with foot injuries.

 

5. HASfit: 

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/KozakSportsPerform

 

This particular workout channel has videos designed for all types of fitness goals. There are great videos for HITT, Dumbell, and also age-specific classes for seniors and teenagers for working out.

 

6. BodyArt:  https://www.bodyart-studios.com/take-class

 

BodyArt was designed by Ryan Daniel Beck, a choreographer, it combines Yoga, Dance, Mindfulness, and Strength Traning. They hold live classes on Facebook at 7amPSt, and Instagram at 4:30Pst for free.

 

7. Rumble:  https://www.instagram.com/p/B92fcZfHPHJ/

 

Rumble, a popular boxing studio, hosts daily Instagram live classes with Cardio and Bodyweight Workouts. Classes vary in times, so best to check their schedule daily.

 

8. Rowhouse:  https://www.facebook.com/rowhousego/

 

Rowhouse is exactly like it sounds. A workout with rowing machines. They are hosting daily facebook lives classes for free. Some workouts require a mat and some small weights.

 

9. Barry’s Bootcamp:  https://www.instagram.com/barrys/

 

The popular fitness gym combines weight training and treadmill work. Daily they are broadcasting Instagram live sessions with trainers from around the world. They have also opened up an online store to allow you to order anything you need to work out from home- most of their classes are bodyweight though.

 

10. Ta Bo Fitness:  www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGIp3jifsoufZv_y8_c1Qg

 

These free workout videos combine cardio and martial arts. The workout claims to burn up to 120 calories per workout and last in length from 30 minutes to one hour.

 

11: 567 Broadway:  https://www.567broadway.com/

 

This is a musical workout to your favorite Broadway shows. All workouts have cardio and strength training and the are currently free on youtube.

 

12. Box and Flow:  https://www.instagram.com/boxandflow/

 

Box and Flow combines boxing and yoga into one workout. They are currently streaming free classes via Instagram Live at various times throughout the day.

 

13. Fhitting Room on Demand:  https://ondemand.fhittingroom.com/

 

The fhitting room offers HITT workouts with strength building through Kettlebells. You can currently receive a free 30 day trial for on-demand workouts.

 

14. Mayweather Boxing and Fitness:  https://mayweather.fit/

 

Currently they are offering free Instagram workouts with cardio and boxing. They also have several ongoing challenges that you can be involved in.

 

15. Spartan Unbreakable:  https://life.spartan.com/tag/be-unbreakable

 

Designed by the Spartan Company responsible for the Spartan Events, they are currently uploading a family workout for every day. The site also has quite a bit of content around fitness, nutrition, and relationships.

 

16. 9Round:  https://www.facebook.com/9RoundOfficial/

 

The popular kickboxing workout offers a Facebook Live streaming workout at 3 pm PST every day.

 

17. MySwimPro:  https://myswimpro.com/

 

MySwimPro has workouts for swimmers to use on dryland and inside of the pool. It’s a downloadable app with other content that can be accessed as well

 

18. Nike Training Club:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nike-training-club/id301521403

 

A brand that needs no introduction. The Nike training app is free and has over 185 workouts that you can stream.

 

19. Fly London:  https://www.instagram.com/fly_ldn/?utm_source=ig_embed

 

This London yoga and barre studio offers hip hop yoga classes and sweaty barre classes. Currently, they are streaming their classes on Instagram Live and posting them on YouTube. Sessions last for 45 minutes.

 

20. Sweaty Betty:  http://www.sweatybetty.com/us/free-online-workout-videos

 

Sweaty Betty is a UK-Based Fitness Brand. They have loads of free fitness videos, varying in length and also in type of workouts (yoga, barre, HITT, and boxing).

 

21. Zuzka Light:  https://zuzkalight.com/

 

There is a ton of content here. In the free workout section, you can find bodyweight, kettlebell, HITT, and jump rope workouts. There is also a ton of great content in the form of blogs, and some great custom options.

 

22. Blogilates:  https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates

 

This streaming channel has Pilate workouts set to music. All workouts are easy for anyone to do, and the channel has many other videos around clean eating and self-esteem that are excellent too.

 

23. The Fitness Marshall:  https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFitnessMarshall

 

The Fitness Marshall workouts are set to popular music. All workouts are short and cardio-based.

 

24. Tone it up:  https://www.youtube.com/user/ToneItUpcom

 

This streaming workout offers toning workouts. All workouts allow you to use household objects and you combine many short ones into a playlist to design a great workout.

 

25. SLT:  https://www.instagram.com/sltnyc/channel/

 

SLT stands for strengthen, lengthen and tone. Currently, they are offering Instagram Live classes for free.

 

26. Aarmy: https://www.instagram.com/aarmy/?hl=en

 

Streaming on Instagram live, these boot camps are not for the faint of heart. They usually have four live classes in the morning.

 

27. FightCamp:  https://joinfightcamp.com/

 

FightCamp is online virtual booking workouts. In addition to working out with online instructors, their app allows your progress to be tracked and improved upon.

 

28. Y7 Studio:  https://www.instagram.com/y7studio/

 

Y7 Studio is a yoga class that is down in the dark to candlelight and hip-hop music. They are currently offering Instagram classes live for all levels.

 

29. Physique57:  https://physique57.com/

 

Physique 57 is offering a free trial to have online access to all their studios. Physique 57 is a barre workout, and all the needed materials are things that you will have access to in your house.

 

30. Johnson and Johnson 7 Minute Workout:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/j-j-official-7-minute-workout/id784797900

 

Johnson and Johnson has created a free app full of seven-minute workouts that you can get maximum results from.

 

31: SoulCycle’s Off the Bike:  https://soul-cycle.com/news/offthebike

 

Soulcycle is currently offering free Instagram classes that focus on bodyweight, cardio, and mindfulness. No equipment needed.

 

32. “The Class”  https://theclass.com/digitalstudio

 

Taryn Toomey’s workout class combines both plyometric and calisthenics with popular music. There is a mindfulness component, that means it’s a great workout that also helps with stress and anxiety. Currently, there is a two- week free trial.

 

33. Solidcore:  https://www.instagram.com/solidcore/channel/

 

Solidcore is offering free Instagram live classes. The workout combines Pilates, strength training and sliders to take the place of the reformers.

 

34. ConBody:  https://conbody.com/

 

Conbody is a workout developed by Coss Marte – when he was in prison. The workout is designed to be done in small places and uses only bodyweight. You can get a subscription for $9/month.

 

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Joel Olson
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Best Mortgage Options for Canadian Homebuyers

By Joel Olson • January 6, 2026
Thinking of Calling Your Bank for a Mortgage? Read This First. If you're buying a home or renewing your mortgage, your first instinct might be to call your bank. It's familiar. It's easy. But it might also cost you more than you realize—in money, flexibility, and long-term satisfaction. Before you sign anything, here are four things your bank won’t tell you—and four reasons why working with an independent mortgage professional is the smarter move. 1. Your Bank Offers Limited Mortgage Options Banks can only offer what they sell. So if your financial situation doesn’t fit neatly into their guidelines—or if you’re looking for competitive terms—you might be out of luck. Working with a mortgage broker? You get access to mortgage products from hundreds of lenders : major banks, credit unions, monoline lenders, alternative lenders, B lenders, and even private funds. That means more options, more flexibility, and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that fits you. 2. Bank Reps Are Salespeople—Not Mortgage Strategists Let’s be honest: most bank mortgage reps are trained to sell their employer’s products—not to analyze your financial goals or tailor a long-term mortgage plan. Their job is to generate revenue for the bank. Independent mortgage professionals are different. We’re not tied to one lender—we’re tied to you. Our job is to shop around, negotiate on your behalf, and recommend the mortgage that offers the best balance of rate, terms, and flexibility. And yes, we get paid by the lender—but only after we find you a mortgage that works for your situation. That creates a win-win-win: you get the best deal, we earn our fee, and the lender earns your business. 3. Banks Don’t Lead with Their Best Rate It’s true. Banks often reserve their best rates for those who ask for them—or threaten to walk. And guess what? Most people don’t. Over 50% of Canadians accept the first renewal offer they get by mail. No questions asked. That’s exactly what the banks count on. Mortgage professionals don’t play that game. We start by finding lenders offering competitive rates upfront, and we handle the negotiations for you. There’s no guesswork, no pressure, and no settling for less than you deserve. 4. Bank Mortgages Are Often More Restrictive Than You Think Not all mortgages are created equal. Some come with hidden traps—especially around penalties. Ever heard of a sky-high prepayment charge when someone breaks their mortgage early? That’s often due to something called an Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —and big banks are notorious for using the harshest IRD calculations. When we help you choose a mortgage, we don’t just focus on the interest rate. We look at the whole picture, including: Prepayment privileges Penalty calculations Portability Future flexibility That way, if your life changes, your mortgage won’t become a financial anchor. A Quick Recap What your bank typically offers: Only their own limited mortgage products Sales-focused representatives, not mortgage strategists Default rates that aren’t usually their best Restrictive contracts with high penalties What an independent mortgage professional delivers: Access to over 200 lenders and customized mortgage solutions Personalized advice and long-term financial strategy Competitive rates and terms upfront Transparent, flexible mortgage options designed around your needs Let’s Talk Before You Sign Your mortgage is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make. So why settle for a one-size-fits-all solution? If you're buying, refinancing, or renewing, I’d love to help you explore your options, explain the fine print, and find a mortgage that truly works for you. Let’s start with a conversation—no pressure, just good advice.
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Mortgage Approval 101: GDS & TDS Explained

By Joel Olson • December 30, 2025
Can You Afford That Mortgage? Let’s Talk About Debt Service Ratios One of the biggest factors lenders look at when deciding whether you qualify for a mortgage is something called your debt service ratios. It’s a financial check-up to make sure you can handle the payments—not just for your new home, but for everything else you owe as well. If you’d rather skip the math and have someone walk through this with you, that’s what I’m here for. But if you like to understand how things work behind the scenes, keep reading. We’re going to break down what these ratios are, how to calculate them, and why they matter when it comes to getting approved. What Are Debt Service Ratios? Debt service ratios measure your ability to manage your financial obligations based on your income. There are two key ratios lenders care about: Gross Debt Service (GDS) This looks at the percentage of your income that would go toward housing expenses only. 2. Total Debt Service (TDS) This includes your housing costs plus all other debt payments—car loans, credit cards, student loans, support payments, etc. How to Calculate GDS and TDS Let’s break down the formulas. GDS Formula: (P + I + T + H + Condo Fees*) ÷ Gross Monthly Income Where: P = Principal I = Interest T = Property Taxes H = Heat Condo fees are usually calculated at 50% of the total amount TDS Formula: (GDS + Monthly Debt Payments) ÷ Gross Monthly Income These ratios tell lenders if your budget is already stretched too thin—or if you’ve got room to safely take on a mortgage. How High Is Too High? Most lenders follow maximum thresholds, especially for insured (high-ratio) mortgages. As of now, those limits are typically: GDS: Max 39% TDS: Max 44% Go above those numbers and your application could be declined, regardless of how confident you feel about your ability to manage the payments. Real-World Example Let’s say you’re earning $90,000 a year, or $7,500 a month. You find a home you love, and the monthly housing costs (mortgage payment, property tax, heat) total $1,700/month. GDS = $1,700 ÷ $7,500 = 22.7% You’re well under the 39% cap—so far, so good. Now factor in your other monthly obligations: Car loan: $300 Child support: $500 Credit card/line of credit payments: $700 Total other debt = $1,500/month Now add that to the $1,700 in housing costs: TDS = $3,200 ÷ $7,500 = 42.7% Uh oh. Even though your GDS looks great, your TDS is just over the 42% limit. That could put your mortgage approval at risk—even if you’re paying similar or higher rent now. What Can You Do? In cases like this, small adjustments can make a big difference: Consolidate or restructure your debts to lower monthly payments Reallocate part of your down payment to reduce high-interest debt Add a co-applicant to increase qualifying income Wait and build savings or credit strength before applying This is where working with an experienced mortgage professional pays off. We can look at your entire financial picture and help you make strategic moves to qualify confidently. Don’t Leave It to Chance Everyone’s situation is different, and debt service ratios aren’t something you want to guess at. The earlier you start the conversation, the more time you’ll have to improve your numbers and boost your chances of approval. If you're wondering how much home you can afford—or want help analyzing your own GDS and TDS—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk through your numbers and help you build a solid mortgage strategy.