Here Are Our 10 Most Popular Workout Routines From 2020

When weather permitted, fitness shifted to masked walks, jogs, or bike rides. For the majority of the year, though, people relied on at-home workouts to support their physical and mental health. We pulled together data to figure out our readers' favorite mbg workout routines from 2020, and these were the top 10: 

As part of our new mbg moves series, this 10-minute core strength routine from Pilates instructor Helen Phelan combines four core- and spinal-supporting movements, all of which are aimed to make you "stand tall, confident, and pain-free," says Phelan. 

For those who already mastered the standard pushup (or were just seriously bored of it), these six pushup variations came in handy. Whether as an addition to another fitness routine or on their own, these pushups engage the arms and abs. 

A lot of gym equipment can be expensive or hard to come by, but resistance bands are generally an affordable and easy-to-find tool. When people began stocking their home gyms, this resistance band abs workout became an at-home staple. The best part? It's possible to do all five moves without the band, too. 

Sitting all day can lead to tension and stiffness in the body, primarily in the hips. While that pain may not necessarily lead to sciatica, many people sought relief from back pain with these five yoga poses.

This quadruped leg extension, demonstrated by Pilates instructor and founder of B The Method Lia Bartha, engages the whole body in just a few minutes. This micro-movement is a great option for busy days when you don't have time for a full routine.

A plank with proper form targets more than just the core. Moving from the palms of the hands to the forearms (aka a forearm plank), demonstrated by certified yoga instructor and mbg staffer Amanda Quadrini, is a surefire way to engage the whole body. Need a modification? This move is still effective with the knees dropped to the floor. Looking for a challenge? Squeeze a yoga block or Pilates ball between your thighs.

The phrase "engage your core" can be confusing. What does it really mean, and how do you do it? These nine beginner core exercises are a great place to start bringing awareness to those stabilizing muscles. The exercises include both modifications and progressions for people at every stage of their fitness journey.

Sheltering in place meant a lot less cardio for most people. To get that heart rate up without a treadmill or a running trail, mbg readers turned to this six-move at-home cardio routine. The only condition? Some of these more active moves, like burpees and mountain climbers, may disturb the downstairs neighbors. If that's the case, opt for this no-jumping HIIT routine instead. 

Find yourself focusing on your abs but neglecting your back muscles? No worries. Just sneak in a few of these bodyweight exercises to strengthen and tone your back—no equipment needed.