Best Home Workouts for Beginners Using Minimal Equipment (Updated December 2025)

Starting your fitness journey at home can be both convenient and effective, especially if you're just beginning and want to use minimal equipment. Here are the best home workouts for beginners that require little to no equipment, making it easier to stay fit without breaking the bank. Plus, with HipTrain's affordable personal training options, you can get the guidance you need from certified trainers right in your living room.

1. Bodyweight Squats

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~100 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
• Duration: 15 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, keeping your chest up.
3. Push through your heels to return to standing.

2. Push-Ups

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Calories Burned: ~150 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 5-10 reps
• Duration: 10 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Start in a plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width.
2. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor.
3. Push back up to the starting position.

3. Glute Bridges

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~100 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 10-15 reps
• Duration: 15 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
2. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top.
3. Lower back down and repeat.

4. Plank

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Calories Burned: ~120 calories in 30 minutes
• Duration: 3 sets of 20-30 seconds hold

Demonstration:

1. Start in a push-up position, but rest on your forearms.
2. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
3. Hold the position, engaging your core.

5. Jumping Jacks

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~200 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 30 seconds
• Duration: 10 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Stand with feet together and arms at your sides.
2. Jump up, spreading your legs while bringing your arms overhead.
3. Jump back to the starting position.

6. Lunges

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Calories Burned: ~150 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
• Duration: 15 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Stand upright and step forward with one leg.
2. Lower your hips until both knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle.
3. Push back to the starting position and switch legs.

7. Bicycle Crunches

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~120 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 10-15 reps per side
• Duration: 10 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Lie on your back with hands behind your head and legs lifted.
2. Bring one knee towards your chest while twisting your torso to touch the opposite elbow.
3. Alternate sides in a pedaling motion.

8. Wall Sit

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~100 calories in 30 minutes
• Duration: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds hold

Demonstration:

1. Stand with your back against a wall and slide down until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
2. Hold the position, keeping your back flat against the wall.

9. Step-Ups (Using a Sturdy Chair or Step)

• Equipment Needed: Sturdy chair or step
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Calories Burned: ~150 calories in 30 minutes
• Reps/Sets: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
• Duration: 15 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Stand in front of the chair/step.
2. Step up with one foot, pressing through your heel.
3. Step back down and switch legs.

10. Cool Down and Stretch

• Equipment Needed: None
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Duration: 5-10 minutes

Demonstration:

1. Stretch major muscle groups including hamstrings, quads, shoulders, and chest.
2. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.

Conclusion

These beginner-friendly home workouts are perfect for those looking to stay fit with minimal equipment. With HipTrain’s live 1-on-1 video personal training, you can access certified trainers who will help you stay motivated and accountable while adapting workouts to your needs—all at an affordable price and HSA/FSA approved for eligible expenses.