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, 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 classes are often promoted in gyms that do Zumba, Crossfit, or other types of martial arts (Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing, etc.)
Did You Know?: Students train under different environmental situation. They have to defend themselves in a simulated nightclub or bar. With the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music, students will be subject to being attacked under these circumstances.
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: 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: Special dance schools offer pole dance training in most urban areas. Dance Studios sometimes have class as well.
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: In most cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
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
The unique blend of throwing and dodging makes for an intense strength and agility fitness workout. It is functional fitness at its finest form. Dodgeball, besides being a good workout, is also extremely fun when you play with friends.
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, 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 classes are often promoted in gyms that do Zumba, Crossfit, or other types of martial arts (Jiu Jitsu, kick boxing, etc.)
Did You Know?: Students train under different environmental situation. They have to defend themselves in a simulated nightclub or bar. With the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music, students will be subject to being attacked under these circumstances.
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: 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: Special dance schools offer pole dance training in most urban areas. Dance Studios sometimes have class as well.
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: In most cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
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
The unique blend of throwing and dodging makes for an intense strength and agility fitness workout. It is functional fitness at its finest form. Dodgeball, besides being a good workout, is also extremely fun when you play with friends.
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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