Elegant Fitness on a Budget: Glow Without the Splurge

March 16, 2025

Elegant Fitness on a Budget: Glow Without the Splurge

Dear, My Love,

It’s easy to believe that wellness belongs to those draped in Lululemon, sipping green juice after boutique Pilates. Social media makes it seem like working out is an aesthetic reserved for those who can splurge—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Movement is yours to claim, no matter your budget.

You don’t need a $50 sports bra to feel confident, and you don’t need a luxury gym to sculpt your dream body. Fitness is about how you show up for yourself, not what brand is on your leggings. Picture this: soft morning light, a Pilates flow in your bedroom, the perfect playlist, and an outfit that makes you feel effortlessly put together—without breaking the bank.

I’ve gathered the best free workout channels on YouTube, and the cutest budget-friendly activewear finds. Because taking care of yourself should feel like a luxury, even when it’s not.

Table of Contents (not linked bc this is Blogger and I have no clue how HTML works)

Youtube Channels

Growingannanas
Move With Nicole
Lidia Mera
Meli
Train With Gainsbybrains

Amazon Equipment

Yoga mat
Short Sleeve Top (set of 3)
Athletic Gym Shorts (set of 3)
Spandex (set of 3)
Long Sleeve Top (set of 3)
Short Sleeve Top (set of 2)
Leggings (set of 3)

Youtube Channels

Growingannanas

She posts longer workouts, anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, occasionally posts a shorter workout. Does mostly HIIT, targeted muscle, and dance workouts. Has a range of no equipment and beginner friendly, to more advance workouts with more equipment. She also has many short stretching videos.

Here's one of her low-impact no equipment, no jumping workouts: 35 MIN *LOW IMPACT* HIIT - High Intensity Home Workout - No Equipment, No Jumping

Move With Nicole

Nicole posts longer Pilates and yoga workouts with a mix of no and equipment needed. Her workouts range from 10 to 40 minutes. Most of her videos are around the 20 minute mark. She also has a mix of workouts designed for all levels, beginner, and intermediate.

Here's one of her 20 minute all-levels Pilates video which I enjoy: 20 MIN PILATES CORE & ABS WORKOUT || At-Home Pilates For All Levels

Lidia Mera

Lidia posts more beginner friendly workouts, centered solely on at home Pilates with no equipment. Her guided workouts range usually from 5 to 20 minutes, though she occasionally posts a workout over that. She has a range of workout challenges, full body workouts, and targeted workouts, depending on your needs and preferences.

A good one to get started with: 10MIN full body hourglass pilates workout // no equipment & beginner friendly

Meli

Meli posts occasionally on Youtube and instead focuses more on Instagram content. Her workouts are geared more towards those who want to begin and get into calisthenics, providing longer workouts that are made to strengthen the body.

Here's a beginner ab workout: 10 Minute AB WORKOUT Follow Through - NO EQUIPMENT

Train With Gainsbybrains

This channel posts shorter more intense workouts targeted at people who are intermediate leveled in most of her workouts. This channel is good if you want a short and good workout that will get to your goals, but you don't have time to go to the gym, or just want a supplement workout. She also includes a 10-15 second motivational clip or voiceover in the beginning of every video. Most of her videos also target abs and core, though she occasionally posts workouts that target other regions.

Here's a short 5 minute workout of hers: 5 MIN NO EXCUSES AB WORKOUT