Going to the gym everyday, day after day, gets boring. Even doing different routines, focusing on various muscle groups, can eventually numb your mind and decrease your motivation. It is scientifically proven that the lack of variety in workout routines and exercises is one of the most prominent deterrent for people getting into fitness. The solution? Make your workouts fun while keeping the intensity level high. We don't always have to go to the gym and hit the free weights for massive muscle gain or for quick weight loss. Drop those dumbbells and venture out to try some of these unique fitness options. Most of them require little to no equipment, but they do require involvement and having fun with others! Check out my top six unique fitness choices to make workout from being dreadful to fun:
1) Krav Maga
Krav Maga, in Hebrew, means "contact combat". It was created by the Israeli military and it is a combat martial art. The basics of this self defense martial arts can be learned in several months. The most interesting fact about Krav Maga is the fact that it is one of the most practical form of martial arts. It has a focus on fighting on the streets and against enemies with knives, guns, and other weapons. The fitness aspect of this sport is the focus on endurance, stamina, and strength training. One person may be attacked for five or more minutes. They may be choked, grappled, or attacked with weapons. This gives you an excellent workout, along with a sound understanding on defending yourself.
Where to Learn: Krav Maga classes are often promoted in gyms that do Zumba, Crossfit, or other types of martial arts (Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing, etc.)
Did You Know?: Some of the training involves having students defend themselves with the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music. Students are also subject to spinning around in the same spot to "get dizzy". This is to simulate being attacked at a nightclub or bar after a few drinks.
2) Breakdancing or Hip Hop dancing
Breakdancing (AKA b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing are quite well known worldwide and require no explanation. If you witness TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", while the contestants are standing in front of the judges, one can see the sweat soaking through their shirts. Dancing is a difficult activity, and it demands superb flexibility, strength, and coordination. Break dancing particularly, is one of the best body weight exercise available. There's no requirement for extra weights when one is attempting to hold their body upside down and balance on one hand. I suggest everyone to take a hip hop or break dance class, just so you can experience the thrill and excitement of dancing to music.
Where to Learn: There are many dance studios that provide classes for beginners. They are often free as well for first timers! I recommend going to a reputable studio for the best teachers.
Did You Know?: The break dance "Freeze" moves are the best upper body exercises. It's no wonder dancers are so ripped and toned.
3) Hot Yoga
When we hear Yoga, we often think of elderly folks stretching to the "humm" of Buddha in the background. Modern yoga is completely different and is actually extremely challenging. Yoga is a well-rounded approach to fitness. It focuses on enhancing flexibility and core muscle strength. It is a great form of functional fitness. Hot Yoga is the next level up. You are put in an environment where the heat is turned up to increase perspiration. You body will sweat out a lot of your toxins while you exercise. Even after two to three classes, you will have a new found ability to stretch further than you ever could before.
Where to Learn: Hot Yoga is commonly found at yoga studios. Bikram Yoga is a well known style. It offers 26 different poses. An instructor leads the class through these movements.
Did You Know?: Yoga has proven scientific benefits for curing stress related disorders/disease. The poses in yoga promote deep breathing, thus calms the mind.
4) Pole Dancing
Once again, we have a common misconception to think that this is a sexual dance performed in strip clubs and bars. In reality, a lot of fitness enthusiast have taken this up as an additional hobby. Even men have been known to try this sort of workout. Pole dancing requires significant flexibility, strength, and stamina to perform. At advanced levels, the athlete may not get off the pole at all, thus supporting his/her body weight entirely with their arms and legs around the pole. This sort of athleticism requires long dedication to master.
Where to Learn: There are specialty schools that teach pole dancing in many cities. Some dance studios offer it as well.
Did You Know? International pole dancing competitions are hosted worldwide. Children as young as seven compete in these challenges.
5) Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial arts/dance mix. It is well known for its power moves, leg sweeps, and movement speed. The fitness level of Capoeira dancers are impeccable because they work on their balance and strength training using their body weight. The combination of dance and martial arts makes Capoeira one of the more interesting way to workout.
Where to Learn: In most urban centers, there are Capoeira dance studios that have lessons for the public.
Did you Know?: Capoeria is a contact sport where as the dancers don't attack each other, but support each other. Often times they will use each other to perform powerful flips or sweep kicks.
6) Dodgeball
Dodgeball is surprising a very intense sport. The combination of dodging and throwing creates a unique strength, agility, and quick movement fitness workout. The game is also great fun with friends and hitting members on the other team is quite satisfying. I like to skip my workouts on days where I play dodgeball. This gives me a variety and puts my muscles to work in a different setting.
Where to Learn: Dodgeball is very easy to learn, the more difficult part is finding a good team and league to play in the city.
Did You Know? The current world record is 6084 people, for the most number of players in a dodgeball game. Fun to know fact.
1) Krav Maga
Krav Maga, in Hebrew, means "contact combat". It was created by the Israeli military and it is a combat martial art. The basics of this self defense martial arts can be learned in several months. The most interesting fact about Krav Maga is the fact that it is one of the most practical form of martial arts. It has a focus on fighting on the streets and against enemies with knives, guns, and other weapons. The fitness aspect of this sport is the focus on endurance, stamina, and strength training. One person may be attacked for five or more minutes. They may be choked, grappled, or attacked with weapons. This gives you an excellent workout, along with a sound understanding on defending yourself.
Where to Learn: Krav Maga classes are often promoted in gyms that do Zumba, Crossfit, or other types of martial arts (Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing, etc.)
Did You Know?: Some of the training involves having students defend themselves with the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music. Students are also subject to spinning around in the same spot to "get dizzy". This is to simulate being attacked at a nightclub or bar after a few drinks.
2) Breakdancing or Hip Hop dancing
Breakdancing (AKA b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing are quite well known worldwide and require no explanation. If you witness TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", while the contestants are standing in front of the judges, one can see the sweat soaking through their shirts. Dancing is a difficult activity, and it demands superb flexibility, strength, and coordination. Break dancing particularly, is one of the best body weight exercise available. There's no requirement for extra weights when one is attempting to hold their body upside down and balance on one hand. I suggest everyone to take a hip hop or break dance class, just so you can experience the thrill and excitement of dancing to music.
Where to Learn: There are many dance studios that provide classes for beginners. They are often free as well for first timers! I recommend going to a reputable studio for the best teachers.
Did You Know?: The break dance "Freeze" moves are the best upper body exercises. It's no wonder dancers are so ripped and toned.
3) Hot Yoga
When we hear Yoga, we often think of elderly folks stretching to the "humm" of Buddha in the background. Modern yoga is completely different and is actually extremely challenging. Yoga is a well-rounded approach to fitness. It focuses on enhancing flexibility and core muscle strength. It is a great form of functional fitness. Hot Yoga is the next level up. You are put in an environment where the heat is turned up to increase perspiration. You body will sweat out a lot of your toxins while you exercise. Even after two to three classes, you will have a new found ability to stretch further than you ever could before.
Where to Learn: Hot Yoga is commonly found at yoga studios. Bikram Yoga is a well known style. It offers 26 different poses. An instructor leads the class through these movements.
Did You Know?: Yoga has proven scientific benefits for curing stress related disorders/disease. The poses in yoga promote deep breathing, thus calms the mind.
4) Pole Dancing
Once again, we have a common misconception to think that this is a sexual dance performed in strip clubs and bars. In reality, a lot of fitness enthusiast have taken this up as an additional hobby. Even men have been known to try this sort of workout. Pole dancing requires significant flexibility, strength, and stamina to perform. At advanced levels, the athlete may not get off the pole at all, thus supporting his/her body weight entirely with their arms and legs around the pole. This sort of athleticism requires long dedication to master.
Where to Learn: There are specialty schools that teach pole dancing in many cities. Some dance studios offer it as well.
Did You Know? International pole dancing competitions are hosted worldwide. Children as young as seven compete in these challenges.
5) Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial arts/dance mix. It is well known for its power moves, leg sweeps, and movement speed. The fitness level of Capoeira dancers are impeccable because they work on their balance and strength training using their body weight. The combination of dance and martial arts makes Capoeira one of the more interesting way to workout.
Where to Learn: In most urban centers, there are Capoeira dance studios that have lessons for the public.
Did you Know?: Capoeria is a contact sport where as the dancers don't attack each other, but support each other. Often times they will use each other to perform powerful flips or sweep kicks.
6) Dodgeball
Dodgeball is surprising a very intense sport. The combination of dodging and throwing creates a unique strength, agility, and quick movement fitness workout. The game is also great fun with friends and hitting members on the other team is quite satisfying. I like to skip my workouts on days where I play dodgeball. This gives me a variety and puts my muscles to work in a different setting.
Where to Learn: Dodgeball is very easy to learn, the more difficult part is finding a good team and league to play in the city.
Did You Know? The current world record is 6084 people, for the most number of players in a dodgeball game. Fun to know fact.
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