Every year on the Well desk, we publish stories that answer readers’ questions about exercise and help them find motivation to get moving. Over the last year, we’ve expanded this mission to include more specific workout routines.
We’ve covered beginner-friendly strength exercises, high-intensity interval training, at-home Pilates and barre routines and yoga for better sleep.
So, whether you’re new to exercise or looking to mix up your routine, consider one of our favorite workouts of the year so far.
Try Pilates at Home
For the past few years, Pilates has been seeing a boom in popularity. And for good reason — it’s a useful workout for strengthening your joints and core muscles, as well as for improving your muscle endurance and flexibility. It may also help reduce chronic pain, anxiety and depression.
But many studio classes can be expensive. To get a taste of Pilates at home, here’s a routine that doesn’t require any special equipment.
Ease Back Pain With Yoga
There are many reasons to fall in love with yoga, and for some people with lower back pain, it can also be a way to find relief. The poses in this routine can help strengthen and stretch the muscles that support your back, including those in your legs, hips and core.
Back pain can have many different causes. If you’ve had a serious or acute injury, check with your doctor before starting yoga.
Train Your Mobility …
Maintaining mobility in your joints is a key part of aging well. Mobility is more than just flexibility, it’s what allows you to lift something while reaching behind you, or step over an obstacle at an odd angle.
Training your mobility can help prevent falls and make it easier to complete everyday tasks. Some of the most effective mobility exercises can be done anywhere, using only your body weight.
… And Your Agility
Mobility is useful around the house, but on the soccer field or the pickleball court, you need agility. You need to pivot, hop, twist — and then do it again. These dynamic movements are especially important if you worry about tripping or falling.
But you have to train to keep your body agile. These exercises can help you do that, and they’re also good for your heart and mental acuity.
Loosen Your Hips
If you’ve been sitting too much, your hips will let you know. One problem, experts say, is that many people don’t do exercises to target their hips until they start hurting.
But it doesn’t take much time to loosen them up and prevent problems later on. Try these exercises to keep your body moving well.
Getting Into the Swing of Kettlebells
The kettlebell is one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment. You can use it as you would a dumbbell — for curls, squats or flies.
But kettlebell swings, in particular, allow you to build power through more dynamic moves and force you to engage your core to maintain control. Here’s how to get started with kettlebells, at home or at the gym.
Experiment With Plyometrics
For healthy aging, strength training is key. But to get even more out of strength training, you also need to build explosive power.
That’s where plyometrics come in. This style of exercise, which involves a lot of jumping, skipping and hopping, was originally designed as a form of training for track and field athletes. But it can be an excellent way for anyone to build strength and stability, and it can also help improve bone density.
Find Relief From ‘Tech Neck’
Sitting for long periods can be incredibly hard on your body. Your glutes, hips, back and neck can all become stiff and painful. If you experience “tech neck,” or tightness in your neck and shoulders from staring at screens all day, these simple exercises can help you find relief.
Wind Down With Yoga
If you’ve struggled with insomnia, you know how frustrating it can be. There are many tricks and tips that can help you drift off, but if you’re looking for another effective option, try gentle yoga before bed. Here are a few poses experts recommend for winding down.
Erik Vance is a staff editor for The Times’s Well desk, where he focuses on coverage of fitness and a healthy lifestyle.
The post Our Favorite Workouts of 2025, So Far appeared first on New York Times.
