So you need to lose a few kilos and wild horses couldn’t drag to to the gym. Well, you’re not alone.
When it comes to physical fitness, it doesn’t really have to be a bore, although many still force themselves through for the tried, true and traditional ways – at the gym, working out at the treadmill, stationary bikes, and all other exercise equipment there. While gyms are primarily aimed at encouraging people to exercise, lose weight and be fit, it’s not the only way to get the job done.
There are many new fun and unique ways to exercise nowadays, from ‘aerial yoga’ and ‘booty ballet’ to using hula hoops and bouncing across the room like a kangaroo – on ‘jumping shoes’. These are just a few of the unusual new fitness methods that workout enthusiasts are using nowaday to twist, twirl and bound their way to healthier bodies. So, are you game for any of them?
Fitness crazes are nothing new. Since Jane Fonda came up with her game-setting workout series during the ’80s, people have been trying to invent new ways to stay in shape. Some of these involve modifying an existing sport like boxing or rock climbing into a fitness workout.
Here are a few of those unusual fitness trends that’ll help in breaking a sweat but also, you might end up having lots of fun too.
Feeling adventurous? Enroll in a trapeze school
Trapeze classes are a great option for the slightly adventurous. Several indoor and outdoor trapeze schools across the country teach trainees to flip and fly. The beginner classes involve basic moves on the ground before advancing higher off in the air. In addition to being fun, it is also a fantastic way to target the upper and lower bodies, particularly lats and shoulders, and strengthen the core muscles. A must-try for those who love the adrenaline rush.
Hula hoop your way to a sexier, toner body
Add a hula to the fitness routine! Incorporating a weighted hula hoop will tone the thighs, abs, glutes and arms – and burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes. Pick up a hula, play a favourite music and get those hips moving. If you haven’t done any hula hooping since your childhood days, you might have to practice first, for apparently it’s nothing like the riding a bicycle rule where once you know how, you’ll always know how – the ability for hula hooping tends to get lost following a long absence of practice.
Show off those moves with some pole dancing
While the pole dance industry has grown tremendously in recent years, classes in this highly athletic dance form have become a rage among women who want an acrobatic and fun workout that strengthens and tones. Classes tend to be women-only, and they combine dance moves with pole tricks involving suspension and stretching. The dance gets the heart pumping as a cardio workout, while pole tricks strengthen the upper and lower body, especially the core.
Indoor surfing for some serious balancing acts! For those who want a lean surfer body without paddling into the seas, indoor surfing classes are the answer. A surfboard is balanced on three exercise boards. The body’s core is used to mimic real surfing movements. These are then mixed with cardio bursts to burn fat. These exercises help to improve balance and define muscles.
Bid namaste to aerial yoga
How about a new yoga challenge, but off the ground? Aerial yoga adapts traditional yoga moves while in a large silk hammock raised off the ground. The moves involve twisting and manoeuvring to stretches while working the core and relieving stress.
Get silly with kangaroo jumping
Kangaroo Jump shoes can spice up a typical workout, for those who are not afraid of looking and feeling absolutely silly! These funny-looking shoes actually add gravitational force to body and double the resistance of aerobics while wearing them. Originally designed as a way to relieve the stress on runners’ joints, they reduce joint stress while helping to work up a sweat.
Barre your way to a better booty
Barre-based workouts lead towards a ballerina’s body! This ballet-inspired moves use yoga, Pilates and weight training to lengthen muscles and reshape the body. Although the workouts use the entire body, the legs will especially feel the burn.
Get medieval with fencing
Take up fencing to relive the medieval times, safely. It is sword fighting without the risk of losing limbs. Fencing helps to make fast, accurate decisions while duelling. The fast-paced workout will raise the heart rate while improving speed, agility and toning muscles – especially the butt and arms.
Bounce on this for some fun exercise
For those who loved trampolines, mini-trampolines – known as rebounders – are taking fitness by a storm. Trampolines provide intensive exercise while offering the flexibility of working out at home or gym. They are a fun way to get the cardio in without it feeling like a chore. Keeping steady while busting a move will tighten the abs and improve leg power and strength without increasing pressure on the joints.
Frisbee fun with Ultimate
‘Ultimate’ is an intense game and is more than tossing around a Frisbee. With no referees, but rooted in sportsmanship and team play, this game helps to burn calories while running and passing the Frisbee to teammates across the length of a soccer field. It really is great fun!
Salsa dancing – seducing and body-trimming
Salsa is suited for both dance lovers and the uncoordinated wallflowers! This seductive dance is cardio-heavy, and an hour of dancing will torch around 600 calories. It is also a great workout for couples.
