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 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
Hip Hop dancing and Breakdancing (known as b-boying) are popular dance cultures known worldwide. Shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew" idolize these dancers. After their performance and standing in front of the judges, one can see their sweat dripping down their backs and heads. Their ability to follow the beat and stand on their heads require great flexibility, coordination, and overall strength. The body lifts in breakdancing are some of the best body weight training exercises, as the dancers have power moves requiring them to bounce on one hand. My recommendation is that everyone should try a hip hop or break dance class. Perhaps you may like the workout and enjoy it even more while listening to music.
Where to Learn: Reputable studios are quite common throughout any city. They often offer free first time beginner classes.
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
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?: 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: 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
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 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 for the Most Number of Players in a Dodgeball game: 6084 people. That's a lot of balls thrown.
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 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
Hip Hop dancing and Breakdancing (known as b-boying) are popular dance cultures known worldwide. Shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew" idolize these dancers. After their performance and standing in front of the judges, one can see their sweat dripping down their backs and heads. Their ability to follow the beat and stand on their heads require great flexibility, coordination, and overall strength. The body lifts in breakdancing are some of the best body weight training exercises, as the dancers have power moves requiring them to bounce on one hand. My recommendation is that everyone should try a hip hop or break dance class. Perhaps you may like the workout and enjoy it even more while listening to music.
Where to Learn: Reputable studios are quite common throughout any city. They often offer free first time beginner classes.
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
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?: 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: 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
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 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 for the Most Number of Players in a Dodgeball game: 6084 people. That's a lot of balls thrown.
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