Doing the same exercises daily at the gym can often feel mind-numbing. For most people, just being at the gym can feel repetitive and discouraging in the long run. It has been scientifically proven that one of the strongest deterrent for fitness goers is the lack of fun and encouragement. So what is the answer? The best way to solve this problem is to make exercising entertaining and make it something to look forward to. The best way to build muscle is not necessarily going to the gym and hitting those bench presses. Take a chance, go out and try a couple of these interesting fitness class/activity. The following is my list of top six activities that can brighten up your workout routine:
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 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
Breakdancing (AKA b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing are quite well known worldwide and require no explanation. If you witness TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", while the contestants are standing in front of the judges, one can see the sweat soaking through their shirts. Dancing is a difficult activity, and it demands superb flexibility, strength, and coordination. Break dancing particularly, is one of the best body weight exercise available. There's no requirement for extra weights when one is attempting to hold their body upside down and balance on one hand. I suggest everyone to take a hip hop or break dance class, just so you can experience the thrill and excitement of dancing to music.
Where to Learn: Most dance studios offer beginner (often first time free!) classes. Go to reputable studios as they offer the best instruction.
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
Yoga, is no longer the stories we use to hear about. Listening to Buddhist background music while elderly men and women go into gentle stretching poses. In actuality, yoga is being participated by all age groups now, and it quite a difficult fitness challenge. It is a functional fitness that helps with bettering your flexibility and strength. It is a terrific form of exercise. Hot yoga is the extra challenge, where they turn the heat up to force you to sweat. Your toxins are sweated out while your mind needs to increase its focus in this sort of environment. For anyone trying out yoga, you will definitely see results in a short 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?: 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: Special dance schools offer pole dance training in most urban areas. Dance Studios sometimes have class as well.
Did You Know? Pole dancing is an international sport event. There are competitions hosted around the world, and children as young as 7 years old compete in them.
5) Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian style martial arts, with its roots coming from Afro dance. Legs sweeps, quick movements, and impressive flips are what Capoeira is famous for. In this sort of exercise, the fitness levels for the dancers are very high due to their constant training on strength and balance. This exotic dance fighting will definitely make your workout much more exciting.
Where to Learn: In most cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
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
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 current world record is 6084 people, for the most number of players in a dodgeball game. Fun to know fact.
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 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
Breakdancing (AKA b-boying) and Hip Hop dancing are quite well known worldwide and require no explanation. If you witness TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" or "America's Best Dance Crew", while the contestants are standing in front of the judges, one can see the sweat soaking through their shirts. Dancing is a difficult activity, and it demands superb flexibility, strength, and coordination. Break dancing particularly, is one of the best body weight exercise available. There's no requirement for extra weights when one is attempting to hold their body upside down and balance on one hand. I suggest everyone to take a hip hop or break dance class, just so you can experience the thrill and excitement of dancing to music.
Where to Learn: Most dance studios offer beginner (often first time free!) classes. Go to reputable studios as they offer the best instruction.
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
Yoga, is no longer the stories we use to hear about. Listening to Buddhist background music while elderly men and women go into gentle stretching poses. In actuality, yoga is being participated by all age groups now, and it quite a difficult fitness challenge. It is a functional fitness that helps with bettering your flexibility and strength. It is a terrific form of exercise. Hot yoga is the extra challenge, where they turn the heat up to force you to sweat. Your toxins are sweated out while your mind needs to increase its focus in this sort of environment. For anyone trying out yoga, you will definitely see results in a short 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?: 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: Special dance schools offer pole dance training in most urban areas. Dance Studios sometimes have class as well.
Did You Know? Pole dancing is an international sport event. There are competitions hosted around the world, and children as young as 7 years old compete in them.
5) Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian style martial arts, with its roots coming from Afro dance. Legs sweeps, quick movements, and impressive flips are what Capoeira is famous for. In this sort of exercise, the fitness levels for the dancers are very high due to their constant training on strength and balance. This exotic dance fighting will definitely make your workout much more exciting.
Where to Learn: In most cities, there are specialty Capoeira studios that offer lessons.
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
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 current world record is 6084 people, for the most number of players in a dodgeball game. Fun to know fact.
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