Leg workout, cardio, chest workout... going to the gym everyday feels the same. Even though you may be working out a different part of your body, the environment can dull your senses and your mind. The repetitiveness and boredom of gym workouts are some of the biggest obstacles to long term success for athletes. The best solution? Make exercising fun and enjoyable by trying out some unique fitness choices. Put those dumbbells down and take a look a look at my top six unique activity list that can make your workouts more enjoyable:
1) Krav Maga
Krav Maga is self defense martial arts perfected by the Israeli Special Forces. The literal meaning of the words Krav Maga in Hebrew means "contact combat". Essentially, it is a non competitive tactical self defense that can be learned within a few months. In my opinion, the best part of Krav Maga training is that it is more practical than any form of martial arts, as it focuses on street fighting and fighting against enemies with weapons. Another point is that it focuses on stamina, endurance, and strength training. Mock fights can go on for 5 minutes or more with grapples, chokes, holds, etc. You get an amazing workout, along with knowledge on practical self defense.
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: 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 "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
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: 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?: Other than weight loss, muscle toning, and enhancing flexibility, stress relief is also one of the main focuses of yoga. The breathing patterns and mindful concentration allow your body to cure itself. Yoga has been proven to provide benefits for curing depression, back pain, and other stress related disorders.
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: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
Did You Know?: There's actually international pole dancing competitions worldwide, and children as young as 7 compete in them? It is an up and coming sport!
5) Capoeira
This Afro-Brazillian dance/martial arts combination is famous for its jungle beats and powerful body movements. It has a mix of flips, leg sweeps and dance techniques. Capoeria dancers are very fit as they constantly use their body weight as their training tool. The focus on balance, strength, and agility. Capoeira offers a unique way to workout.
Where to Learn: Capoeria studios are found in most urban areas.
Did You Know?: Though it is considered a martial art, Capoeira performers don't hit each other. One does sweep kicks while the other dodges. This fluid motion and rapid response gives it the feeling like it is a dance.
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 is self defense martial arts perfected by the Israeli Special Forces. The literal meaning of the words Krav Maga in Hebrew means "contact combat". Essentially, it is a non competitive tactical self defense that can be learned within a few months. In my opinion, the best part of Krav Maga training is that it is more practical than any form of martial arts, as it focuses on street fighting and fighting against enemies with weapons. Another point is that it focuses on stamina, endurance, and strength training. Mock fights can go on for 5 minutes or more with grapples, chokes, holds, etc. You get an amazing workout, along with knowledge on practical self defense.
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: 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 "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
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: 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?: Other than weight loss, muscle toning, and enhancing flexibility, stress relief is also one of the main focuses of yoga. The breathing patterns and mindful concentration allow your body to cure itself. Yoga has been proven to provide benefits for curing depression, back pain, and other stress related disorders.
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: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
Did You Know?: There's actually international pole dancing competitions worldwide, and children as young as 7 compete in them? It is an up and coming sport!
5) Capoeira
This Afro-Brazillian dance/martial arts combination is famous for its jungle beats and powerful body movements. It has a mix of flips, leg sweeps and dance techniques. Capoeria dancers are very fit as they constantly use their body weight as their training tool. The focus on balance, strength, and agility. Capoeira offers a unique way to workout.
Where to Learn: Capoeria studios are found in most urban areas.
Did You Know?: Though it is considered a martial art, Capoeira performers don't hit each other. One does sweep kicks while the other dodges. This fluid motion and rapid response gives it the feeling like it is a dance.
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 :)
