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 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
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
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?: 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
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 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?: 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
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
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?: 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
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 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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