I love discovering new instructor-led workouts on YouTube, ranging from Pilates to cycling, but I understand the importance of strengthening your mind as well as your body. Usually, I opt for guided meditations through the Peloton app, considering my $44 monthly subscription and my appreciation for the instructors’ straightforward approach. However, if you’re not a Peloton fan or desire something different, explore these free guided meditations on YouTube.
Michael Sealey
With his soothing Australian accent and extensive video collection, Michael Sealey is a strong choice—and two million subscribers agree. Though his content is labeled as “hypnosis,” he offers what typical meditation clips provide: gentle guidance for calming the mind and directing focus. While many sessions are geared towards sleep, you’ll find meditations addressing anxiety, over-thinking, and beyond. Sealey’s videos are ideal for bedtime rather than situations like commuting or needing a quick office break. His clips begin with a warning against listening while operating a vehicle.
The Honest Guys
The Honest Guys stand out by starting their videos with a disclaimer that they aren’t a substitute for professional medical advice, an important note since YouTube relaxation content shouldn’t replace genuine medical treatment for issues such as depression or weight loss. With over one million subscribers, they offer relaxing content designed to foster strength, confidence, or restful sleep. Their clips provide clear instructions on body focus and positioning, much like the Peloton sessions I enjoy.
Headspace
Best known as a paid app charging $70 annually for access to meditations, sleep sounds, and wellness tips, Headspace offers surprisingly extensive free samples on its YouTube channel. Whether you need a 10-minute session to “calm unemployment fears” or one for handling grief and injustice, their channel, with over 800,000 subscribers, has numerous options.
The Mindful Movement
The Mindful Movement, approaching one million subscribers, is ideal for a quick reset. While hour-long sleep meditations are available on other channels, this one excels with its short, calming clips for quick relief at work or home. It also offers longer sessions punctuated by silence, allowing space to process thoughts independently. The instructors often demonstrate meditation themselves, giving a sense of shared practice.