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 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 (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: 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?: 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: There are specialty schools that teach pole dancing in many cities. Some dance studios offer it as well.
Did You Know? International pole dancing competitions are hosted worldwide. Children as young as seven compete in these challenges.
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: 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 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 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 (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: 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?: 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: There are specialty schools that teach pole dancing in many cities. Some dance studios offer it as well.
Did You Know? International pole dancing competitions are hosted worldwide. Children as young as seven compete in these challenges.
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: 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 current world record is 6084 people, for the most number of players in a dodgeball game. Fun to know fact.
No comments:
Post a Comment