How to Pick a Program

Three questions. One answer.

DAREBEE has a lot of programs and we keep adding more. With so many options it can be hard to know where to begin - especially when you are new and every program sounds equally unfamiliar. Answer three questions below and you will know exactly where to start, no browsing required.

Question 1 - What is your current fitness level?

New, returning, or recovering? Start here.

If you are new to exercise, coming back after a long break, or recovering from an injury, begin with Foundation or Foundation Light. They look simple. That is the point. The first goal is building the habit and the base - everything else follows from there. Long-term results are the ones that last.

If you have been consistently active and want something with more structure or a specific focus, keep reading.



Question 2 - What do you want to get out of this?

Pick the goal that sounds most like yours right now.

Get stronger

Build muscle, increase strength, and feel more capable. Look for programs tagged strength or everything.

Lose weight & improve fitness

Burn calories, increase endurance, and build a stronger cardiovascular base. Cardio and interval training programs are your lane.

Good starting points Momentum · Super Cut · Soft Cardio

Stronger core & abs

Target your midsection with dedicated ab and core programs. Some are standalone 30-day commitments; others are short daily add-ons you stack onto existing training.

Move more, feel better

Mobility, flexibility, stress relief, or gentle daily movement. Stretching and yoga programs work well here, and most require very little time or effort to start.

Good starting point Unbound ·  ZEN ·  30 Days of Yoga

Something different & fun

RPG fitness programs turn your training into a story - you complete workouts to progress through a narrative. No specific fitness level required, just a willingness to play along.

Good starting points Hero's Journey ·Zero Hero · The Labyrinth

Combat & martial arts

Programs built around striking, agility, and combat-style conditioning. No partner or equipment needed - just space to move.

Good starting points Fireheart · Fighter's Codex

Question 3 - Any practical constraints?

Most DAREBEE programs are bodyweight-only and take 20-40 minutes a day. If you have specific requirements, the filters on the programs page will narrow things down fast. Here is what each filter does:

Type What you train

Abs, cardio, combat, strength, RPG fitness, running, stretching, yoga, and more.

Difficulty Level 1 - 5

From light to advanced. Start lower than you think - you can always increase intensity as you go.

Equipment With or without

Filter to no-equipment only, or browse the small selection that use dumbbells or other gear.

Start with Difficulty and Type. That alone cuts 95 options down to a handful. Click into any program to see exactly what a typical day looks like before you commit.


The best program is the one you will actually do. If you are not enjoying it after a week, it is fine to switch - you are building a habit, not signing a contract. And if you get stuck, the community help desk is always there.

Yes, the workouts are awesome and I like them very much. They are easy to understand and don't require much knowledge so you can simply start working out. BUT what I think is at least as great is… Yes, the workouts are awesome and I like them very much. They are easy to understand and don't require much knowledge so you can simply start working out. BUT what I think is at least as great is the design and functionality of the website. It is just so clean and well organized. I love the filter functions, they work very well and you can find exactly what you need in seconds. Also the bookmark feature is just awesome! The way you can organize the bookmarks, create different collections and sort them so efficiently is very thoughtful and way better than I have seen it on many bigger platforms. I think it is just an example where one can see that the Darebee team not only strives to create the best workouts but for excellence on every level. Tank you! You are doing an awesome job!

Joti, 21, from Germany

I was lucky enough to find Darebee several years ago. After more than a decade, and after trying countless websites and apps, it's still my number one choice for workout plans and creative exercise… I was lucky enough to find Darebee several years ago. After more than a decade, and after trying countless websites and apps, it's still my number one choice for workout plans and creative exercise inspiration. Unlike other apps and sites, the full experience is available regardless of ability to pay; even when the job market has been tough, Darebee has been there with accessible, effective workouts to help keep me on track when other obstacles crop up. Whether it's a full workout, or a little challenge to supplement other routines, Darebee has ALWAYS had me covered. The wide variety of skill levels available means that I can find something, even if injured, tired, or simply out of practice. Need to work on something specific? Pick a challenge for it. Injured? Rehab workouts and exercise alternatives abound. Not sure how to use all those dumbbells you somehow acquired over the years? No problem--you can find workouts with that equipment. In conclusion: Darebee is pretty rad; an awesome, effective resource, that anybody who needs a bit of sweat and strength in their lives can appreciate. Thanks to the Darebee team for their dedication, hard work, and commitment!

Uncle Donut, 42, from United States

I found this site a few months ago and had a "Where has this been all my life?" moment. I've resented exercising for years, even as an athletic kid, and now I've been starting each day with a workout… I found this site a few months ago and had a "Where has this been all my life?" moment. I've resented exercising for years, even as an athletic kid, and now I've been starting each day with a workout for the past month and feeling great! This site is such a valuable resource and I've recommended it to my friends. If you're not sure where to start, READ THE INTRODUCTION and try a 30-day program! I had great success with Total Body Strength Plus and am now using the Drifter plan.

Rosalinda, 21