After an embarrassing incident at a public gym (one man laughed so hard at me that he started crying), I started trying YouTube workouts at home. If you know me, you know that I love to try new things on a whim. So when I saw a woman at my gym walking on the treadmill backward—on an incline—I had to see what it was like. I was so curious about its magical benefits that I didn’t think to slow down my treadmill. As soon as I turned around, I shot off the machine and landed on my butt. People stared. One guy laughed so hard that he cried. That was when I decided to skip the gym for a while. I still want to stay fit, though, so lately I’ve been doing a bunch of YouTube workouts at home. The videos save me money, inspire me to push my body’s limits, and can’t laugh or cry, let alone do both. Here are five of my favorites. 8-Minute Ab Workout Try it if: You want tighter abs. Or you just want to watch a CGI guy do flawless sit-ups. Hardest part: The V-sits at the end are killer. Also, you have to be careful not to strain your neck—always use your abs to do the lifting. Favorite part: It’s only 8 minutes! Your shower can be longer than your workout! Yoga Meltdown Level 1 with Jillian Michaels Try it if: You like yoga, but wish it went a little faster so you could break a sweat, too. Hardest part: SIDE PLANKS. OMG, STOP. Favorite part: I like anything that challenges my balance, so tree pose is my favorite. I feel like a (peaceful) badass when I can hold it. Tank-Top Arms Workout Try it if: You want the arm strength to take hundreds of selfies of your toned arms. Hardest part: I don’t have a lot of upper-body strength, so I dread "arm day" in general. The reverse fly pulses and arm circles are particularly hate-worthy. Favorite part: The end, honestly. Although I guess it’s fun to pretend you’re punching in slow-motion during the bicep curls with hooks. POP Pilates Bikini Booty Workout Try it if: You want to tone your butt. Hardest part: The instructor, Cassey, likes to tell stories during her workouts, and I find it a little distracting. It is funny when she asks “How’s that butt doing?!” though. Favorite part: That deep burn you feel in your booty—that means it’s working. Even though you’re only doing three moves on each side! Amazing. Hip Hop Tabata Dance Workout with Keaira LaShae Try it if: You get bored during slow-paced workouts. Hardest part: How vigorous it is. The tabata style means you perform each move at top speed for 20 seconds, but 20 seconds has never felt longer. Favorite part: Keaira LaShae. Her energy, encouragement, and beginner-friendly modifications are what get me through this. Also, her body is incredible, and that’s extra-motivating. Photo: Katie Anderl, Groupon