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 the Israeli military's self defense martial arts. The meaning of the word Krav Maga in Hebrew denotes "contact combat". Essentially, it is a neo cut-throat tactical self defense system which can be figured out in a few months. Many people feel that the best quality of Krav Maga teachings is that it is far more functional compared to just about any sort of fighting methods. This is because it focuses on street combats along with confrontation against multiple adversaries with weapons. Krav Maga focuses on endurance training, along with strength training. Practice fights may have participants fighting for 5 minutes or more. Each student will grapple, choke, and attack their opponents using different means. In the end, you will get great workout, as well as the know-how on functional 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?: Some of the training involves having students defend themselves with the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music. Students are also subject to spinning around in the same spot to "get dizzy". This is to simulate being attacked at a nightclub or bar after a few drinks.
2) Hip Hop dancing or Breakdancing
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: There are many dance studios that provide classes for beginners. They are often free as well for first timers! I recommend going to a reputable studio for the best teachers.
Did You Know?: Break dancers are so fit because they practice moves like their "Freezes". These are arguable the best exercise for the upper body.
3) Hot Yoga
When we hear Yoga, we often think of elderly folks stretching to the "humm" of Buddha in the background. Modern yoga is completely different and is actually extremely challenging. Yoga is a well-rounded approach to fitness. It focuses on enhancing flexibility and core muscle strength. It is a great form of functional fitness. Hot Yoga is the next level up. You are put in an environment where the heat is turned up to increase perspiration. You body will sweat out a lot of your toxins while you exercise. Even after two to three classes, you will have a new found ability to stretch further than you ever could before.
Where to Learn: Hot Yoga is commonly found at yoga studios. Bikram Yoga is a well known style. It offers 26 different poses. An instructor leads the class through these movements.
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
When we think about pole dancing, we often have erotic images in our head. We imagine sexy women dancing on a pole in a strip club. Not many of us would think that this sort of dance is an actual fitness exercise. Men and Women are now taking up pole dancing as part of their fitness routines. This sport requires immense stamina, strength, and flexibility, and mastering this art takes years of dedication.
Where to Learn: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
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
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 urban centers, there are Capoeira dance studios that have lessons for the public.
Did You Know? Capoeira dancers perform in such fluid motion as to avoid hitting each other. Though considered a martial arts, their style is not to fight one another, but to provide support for one another's flips and leg sweeps.
6) Dodgeball
Dodgeball is surprising a very intense sport. The combination of dodging and throwing creates a unique strength, agility, and quick movement fitness workout. The game is also great fun with friends and hitting members on the other team is quite satisfying. I like to skip my workouts on days where I play dodgeball. This gives me a variety and puts my muscles to work in a different setting.
Where to Learn: There aren't very many rules in dodgeball and it is very easy to learn. The harder of this game is finding a suitable team to play in the dodgeball leagues located throughout urban areas.
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 the Israeli military's self defense martial arts. The meaning of the word Krav Maga in Hebrew denotes "contact combat". Essentially, it is a neo cut-throat tactical self defense system which can be figured out in a few months. Many people feel that the best quality of Krav Maga teachings is that it is far more functional compared to just about any sort of fighting methods. This is because it focuses on street combats along with confrontation against multiple adversaries with weapons. Krav Maga focuses on endurance training, along with strength training. Practice fights may have participants fighting for 5 minutes or more. Each student will grapple, choke, and attack their opponents using different means. In the end, you will get great workout, as well as the know-how on functional 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?: Some of the training involves having students defend themselves with the lights turned off, a strobe light on, and with loud music. Students are also subject to spinning around in the same spot to "get dizzy". This is to simulate being attacked at a nightclub or bar after a few drinks.
2) Hip Hop dancing or Breakdancing
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: There are many dance studios that provide classes for beginners. They are often free as well for first timers! I recommend going to a reputable studio for the best teachers.
Did You Know?: Break dancers are so fit because they practice moves like their "Freezes". These are arguable the best exercise for the upper body.
3) Hot Yoga
When we hear Yoga, we often think of elderly folks stretching to the "humm" of Buddha in the background. Modern yoga is completely different and is actually extremely challenging. Yoga is a well-rounded approach to fitness. It focuses on enhancing flexibility and core muscle strength. It is a great form of functional fitness. Hot Yoga is the next level up. You are put in an environment where the heat is turned up to increase perspiration. You body will sweat out a lot of your toxins while you exercise. Even after two to three classes, you will have a new found ability to stretch further than you ever could before.
Where to Learn: Hot Yoga is commonly found at yoga studios. Bikram Yoga is a well known style. It offers 26 different poses. An instructor leads the class through these movements.
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
When we think about pole dancing, we often have erotic images in our head. We imagine sexy women dancing on a pole in a strip club. Not many of us would think that this sort of dance is an actual fitness exercise. Men and Women are now taking up pole dancing as part of their fitness routines. This sport requires immense stamina, strength, and flexibility, and mastering this art takes years of dedication.
Where to Learn: Pole dancing schools are often available in most urban cities. Some dance studios have class too.
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
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 urban centers, there are Capoeira dance studios that have lessons for the public.
Did You Know? Capoeira dancers perform in such fluid motion as to avoid hitting each other. Though considered a martial arts, their style is not to fight one another, but to provide support for one another's flips and leg sweeps.
6) Dodgeball
Dodgeball is surprising a very intense sport. The combination of dodging and throwing creates a unique strength, agility, and quick movement fitness workout. The game is also great fun with friends and hitting members on the other team is quite satisfying. I like to skip my workouts on days where I play dodgeball. This gives me a variety and puts my muscles to work in a different setting.
Where to Learn: There aren't very many rules in dodgeball and it is very easy to learn. The harder of this game is finding a suitable team to play in the dodgeball leagues located throughout urban areas.
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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