Footage, music & images (free/legal sources) B-roll/gym or outdoor footage: Pexels and Pixabay for free workout-style clips Music: YouTube Audio Library — search "workout" or "energetic" for high-tempo tracks that fit fitness content Graphics for overlays (exercise names, rep counters): Canva has free fitness-themed templates 2. Editing for beginners (smartphone + ring light) Set up your ring light facing you at eye level, smartphone on a tripod a few feet back to capture full-body movement Recording app: your phone's native camera at the highest resolution it supports Editing software: CapCut (free, mobile-friendly, great for fast-paced fitness cuts) Basic workflow: film each exercise demo in one continuous take → in CapCut, trim each clip to show 1-2 reps clearly → speed up repetitive sections (1.5x-2x) to keep energy high → add text overlays for exercise names and rep/set counts → add upbeat music underneath → export 3. Thumbnails that get clicks Use Canva (free) Specs: 1280x720px, under 2MB, JPG or PNG Tips: capture a high-energy action shot (mid-movement, not posed), use bold contrasting text like "10-MIN ABS" or "NO EQUIPMENT NEEDED", bright colors (orange/green) tend to perform well for fitness thumbnails 4. Export settings Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080) — sufficient for fitness demos and faster to upload Format: MP4 (H.264 codec) Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps for 1080p Checklist for your first 3 videos: [ ] Set up ring light and tripod in a consistent filming spot [ ] Install CapCut and do a test edit with sped-up clips [ ] Film your first workout routine, one exercise per continuous take [ ] Edit using the workflow above, export at 1080p MP4 [ ] Create a thumbnail in Canva with a high-energy action shot [ ] Repeat for videos 2 and 3, testing different thumbnail color schemes for clicks