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 is the Israeli military's self defense martial arts. The meaning of the word Krav Maga in Hebrew denotes "contact combat". Essentially, it is a neo cut-throat tactical self defense system which can be figured out in a few months. Many people feel that the best quality of Krav Maga teachings is that it is far more functional compared to just about any sort of fighting methods. This is because it focuses on street combats along with confrontation against multiple adversaries with weapons. Krav Maga focuses on endurance training, along with strength training. Practice fights may have participants fighting for 5 minutes or more. Each student will grapple, choke, and attack their opponents using different means. In the end, you will get great workout, as well as the know-how on functional self defense.
Where to Learn: Krav Maga self defense classes are commonly found in specialty gyms that offer Crossfit or other martial arts (Kickboxing, MMA, etc.)
Did You Know?: Training involves simulating fights in the a nightclub or bar. Students have to defend from attackers with the lights off, a strobe light on, and with noisy music in the background. Students also have to twirl in the same spot before the fight to simulate the drunkenness.
2) Breakdancing/Hip Hop dancing
Breakdancing (or b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing is pretty self explanatory, as it is known worldwide. If you watch shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", and when they are being critiqued by the judges, you can see the sweat pouring down their heads. Dancing is not an easy sport, and it requires great coordination, strength, flexibility, and rhythm. Break dancing especially, is one of the best body weight exercise anyone can get. There's no need for weights when you are trying to lift your body and bounce on one hand. I recommend everyone to go and try a class, even if it is only to break your workout routine and try something new.
Where to Learn: Most dance studios offer beginner (often first time free!) classes. Go to reputable studios as they offer the best instruction.
Did You Know?: Break dancers are so fit because they practice moves like their "Freezes". These are arguable the best exercise for the upper body.
3) Hot Yoga
Years ago, when we hear about Yoga, we believe that it is old people mediating to Buddhist music. That is completely not the case anymore. Current day yoga is actually quite difficult even for an athlete. Yoga is a great way to bring balance to your fitness routine. It works on increasing your flexibility and on strengthening your core muscles. Hot Yoga is a more challenging version of regular yoga. The room is heated up so that you will sweat intensely while in yoga poses. The toxins in your body is naturally sweated out. If you try out yoga, you will see a huge difference in your flexibility in a short period of time.
Where to Learn: Bikram Yoga is a pretty standard form of hot yoga. There is a set routine of 26 moves to follow, with an instructor leading you through. Many other yoga companies offer hot yoga as well.
Did You Know?: Besides focusing on muscle toning, weight loss, and flexibility, yoga also helps with overcoming stress by having you focus on your breathing and concentration. It has also been specific proven to have benefits to back pain, depression, and a number of different diseases.
4) Pole Dancing
When we think about pole dancing, we often have erotic images in our head. We imagine sexy women dancing on a pole in a strip club. Not many of us would think that this sort of dance is an actual fitness exercise. Men and Women are now taking up pole dancing as part of their fitness routines. This sport requires immense stamina, strength, and flexibility, and mastering this art takes years of dedication.
Where to Learn: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
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 cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
Did You Know? Capoeira dancers perform in such fluid motion as to avoid hitting each other. Though considered a martial arts, their style is not to fight one another, but to provide support for one another's flips and leg sweeps.
6) Dodgeball
For a fun, engaging, and surprising intense sport, try dodgeball! The mixture of throwing and dodging makes dodgeball a functional fitness exercise. Agility, quick step movements, and strength is focused here. The game is best played with friends. There are days where dodgeball becomes my workout routine. I can have fun while getting a full workout.
Where to Learn: Dodgeball isn't something we need to "learn". The most difficult part I find is finding a good team in the numerous dodgeball leagues in the city.
Did You Know?: The world record of the most number of players in a dodgeball game is 6084. This fact has nothing to do with fitness :)
1) Krav Maga
Krav Maga is the Israeli military's self defense martial arts. The meaning of the word Krav Maga in Hebrew denotes "contact combat". Essentially, it is a neo cut-throat tactical self defense system which can be figured out in a few months. Many people feel that the best quality of Krav Maga teachings is that it is far more functional compared to just about any sort of fighting methods. This is because it focuses on street combats along with confrontation against multiple adversaries with weapons. Krav Maga focuses on endurance training, along with strength training. Practice fights may have participants fighting for 5 minutes or more. Each student will grapple, choke, and attack their opponents using different means. In the end, you will get great workout, as well as the know-how on functional self defense.
Where to Learn: Krav Maga self defense classes are commonly found in specialty gyms that offer Crossfit or other martial arts (Kickboxing, MMA, etc.)
Did You Know?: Training involves simulating fights in the a nightclub or bar. Students have to defend from attackers with the lights off, a strobe light on, and with noisy music in the background. Students also have to twirl in the same spot before the fight to simulate the drunkenness.
2) Breakdancing/Hip Hop dancing
Breakdancing (or b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing is pretty self explanatory, as it is known worldwide. If you watch shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", and when they are being critiqued by the judges, you can see the sweat pouring down their heads. Dancing is not an easy sport, and it requires great coordination, strength, flexibility, and rhythm. Break dancing especially, is one of the best body weight exercise anyone can get. There's no need for weights when you are trying to lift your body and bounce on one hand. I recommend everyone to go and try a class, even if it is only to break your workout routine and try something new.
Where to Learn: Most dance studios offer beginner (often first time free!) classes. Go to reputable studios as they offer the best instruction.
Did You Know?: Break dancers are so fit because they practice moves like their "Freezes". These are arguable the best exercise for the upper body.
3) Hot Yoga
Years ago, when we hear about Yoga, we believe that it is old people mediating to Buddhist music. That is completely not the case anymore. Current day yoga is actually quite difficult even for an athlete. Yoga is a great way to bring balance to your fitness routine. It works on increasing your flexibility and on strengthening your core muscles. Hot Yoga is a more challenging version of regular yoga. The room is heated up so that you will sweat intensely while in yoga poses. The toxins in your body is naturally sweated out. If you try out yoga, you will see a huge difference in your flexibility in a short period of time.
Where to Learn: Bikram Yoga is a pretty standard form of hot yoga. There is a set routine of 26 moves to follow, with an instructor leading you through. Many other yoga companies offer hot yoga as well.
Did You Know?: Besides focusing on muscle toning, weight loss, and flexibility, yoga also helps with overcoming stress by having you focus on your breathing and concentration. It has also been specific proven to have benefits to back pain, depression, and a number of different diseases.
4) Pole Dancing
When we think about pole dancing, we often have erotic images in our head. We imagine sexy women dancing on a pole in a strip club. Not many of us would think that this sort of dance is an actual fitness exercise. Men and Women are now taking up pole dancing as part of their fitness routines. This sport requires immense stamina, strength, and flexibility, and mastering this art takes years of dedication.
Where to Learn: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
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 cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
Did You Know? Capoeira dancers perform in such fluid motion as to avoid hitting each other. Though considered a martial arts, their style is not to fight one another, but to provide support for one another's flips and leg sweeps.
6) Dodgeball
For a fun, engaging, and surprising intense sport, try dodgeball! The mixture of throwing and dodging makes dodgeball a functional fitness exercise. Agility, quick step movements, and strength is focused here. The game is best played with friends. There are days where dodgeball becomes my workout routine. I can have fun while getting a full workout.
Where to Learn: Dodgeball isn't something we need to "learn". The most difficult part I find is finding a good team in the numerous dodgeball leagues in the city.
Did You Know?: The world record of the most number of players in a dodgeball game is 6084. This fact has nothing to do with fitness :)
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