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 training classes are usually offered in specialty gyms that do Crossfit, Zumba, or other martial arts (Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, 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 or 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: Reputable studios are quite common throughout any city. They often offer free first time beginner classes.
Did You Know?: The "Freeze" moves in break dancing are some of greatest upper body exercises. We can learn to be ripped and toned just like them!
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: One can find yoga studios in most urban centers. The famous Bikram Yoga is famous for its 26 standard poses, and therefore is the one recommended.
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
A notable thought of pole dancing is that the movements are sexual and seductive, often performed at erotic showrooms. Though this point of view may be correct, pole dancing has also evolved into a functional fitness exercise. Men and women athletes alike are trying this type of workout. Pole dancing can be extremely challenging, requiring stamina, strength, and flexibility to perform a routine. The more advanced dancers are able to support their body weight on the pole without touching the ground at all. Pole dancing is now a sport for devoted athletes.
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: Capoeria studios are found in most urban areas.
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
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 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 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, 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 training classes are usually offered in specialty gyms that do Crossfit, Zumba, or other martial arts (Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, 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 or 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: Reputable studios are quite common throughout any city. They often offer free first time beginner classes.
Did You Know?: The "Freeze" moves in break dancing are some of greatest upper body exercises. We can learn to be ripped and toned just like them!
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: One can find yoga studios in most urban centers. The famous Bikram Yoga is famous for its 26 standard poses, and therefore is the one recommended.
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
A notable thought of pole dancing is that the movements are sexual and seductive, often performed at erotic showrooms. Though this point of view may be correct, pole dancing has also evolved into a functional fitness exercise. Men and women athletes alike are trying this type of workout. Pole dancing can be extremely challenging, requiring stamina, strength, and flexibility to perform a routine. The more advanced dancers are able to support their body weight on the pole without touching the ground at all. Pole dancing is now a sport for devoted athletes.
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: Capoeria studios are found in most urban areas.
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
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 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 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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