The Best YouTube Channels for Running Workouts

About every five to seven months, I am possessed by the desire to “see if I like running.” I dress in workout clothes and my nicest shoes, tie my apartment keys in the hair tie holding my ponytail, and set off optimistically down FDR Drive in Manhattan. After a while, the results of my experiment are clear: I still hate running and remain convinced that anyone who says it’s “euphoric” or “relaxing” is a Nike-sponsored liar.

However, some things impact the enjoyment of running, like listening to guided runs. Peloton’s guided runs have increased my chances of getting on (and staying on) the treadmill in the gym, for example, and I’ve chosen running over cycling for cardio far more often than before I discovered this section of the Peloton app. Small steps, or rather small steps.

If you want to run like me, guided runs are the way to go. Peloton and other running apps can be expensive, so I’ve found some great free guided running channels on YouTube. The only thing better than a little help is a little free help.

Get Fit Done: for simple motivation

Get Fit Done is a small but mighty channel with 12,000 subscribers that, unlike many others I’ve used, requires almost no effort to find the guided runs. GFD compiled a bunch of them into a playlist.

They last about 30 minutes, use popular songs, and clearly guide you through the half hour. A narrator tells you when to speed up and slow down, gives you a few tips here and there, but also shuts up so you can hear the music, which I appreciate. The audio quality of the narration isn’t amazing, but you can hear it just fine. It’s my favorite because it’s simple and no-nonsense while still being fun and motivating. Bonus: The channel also includes other types of videos, like guided cycling workouts. I love a good spinning class on YouTube and these are among my other favorites in terms of quality.

müüv: for technical information

When you follow müüv, which has just under 4,000 followers, you’ll notice there’s no music or anything. It’s just pure instruction, which is great if you want to just focus on your run or listen to your own music (although you’d need two devices for that, so it’s best when you’re on a treadmill).

Certified trainers guide you through interval walks and runs of varying lengths, as well as cycling and other types of exercise. With these, the goal is not to get lost in the music; rather, you follow an expert-led plan that keeps you on track with your progressive running goals.

The Run Experience: for scenery and advice

Everyone responds differently to different motivators, so while I’m not someone who enjoys virtual stage cardio sessions, I know many people do; Scenic rides on Peloton are extremely popular. You can replicate this running experience by following The Run Experience, where trainers take you for a jog through beautiful scenery, giving you tips, advice and motivation along the way.

With almost 700,000 subscribers, it’s one of the most popular I’ve found. Generally speaking, videos are probably best suited to playing on your iPad while you run on a treadmill, so you can focus on the images, but even if you stream them on your phone while you hit the pavement, you still get the benefit of being guided through your intervals by a running coach.

EatMoveRest: for good production

Does a video require amazing production and optimal audio quality to provide useful fitness information? No, but it’s nice, which is why I like EatMoveRest. Guided Runs are designed to be used on a treadmill but can be done outdoors and the video and audio are crisp, so you can hear and see precisely what you need to do. With 174,000 subscribers, this channel is complete. You get a variety of workouts, recipes and food tips, and even family vlogs, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Virtual race videos: for a pure change of scenery

Maybe you don’t want advice, words, or music. Maybe you just want to disconnect and pretend you’re on a mountainside or jogging by the river when you’re actually in your crowded gym. If this is your case, I recommend Virtual Running Videos, the aptly named channel which has just under 100,000 subscribers.

They usually last between 45 minutes and an hour, but you can go as long as you want because there is no indication of intervals or anything like that. You can progress at your own pace, which might be better for you if you’re just starting out or have an active rest day.

IBX Running: for fast strikes

Most of the channels above offer 30 or 45 minute runs, but what about when you only have a few minutes or just want to warm up before moving on to other exercises? IBX Running, with around 60,000 subscribers, can help.

With beginner videos, HIIT routines, endurance runs and more, this channel has it all, but it also offers them in varying degrees of time. Why not hop on the treadmill for a 10 minute HIIT run? If you want or need them, there are longer ones as well, making them a solid one-stop shop.