Five Unusual Workouts To Keep You Fighting Fit

In the midst of the holiday rush, it’s difficult enough to fit in a workout, let alone a boring one. If you’re tired of the same old routine but would still like to shed some weight or stay in shape this Christmas, how about trying something new to shake up your exercise routine?

Here are my top 5 unusual ideas:

AntiGravity Yoga
Performed in a hammock, Antigrativity Yoga incorporates the fundamentals of yoga (pilates), and dance to create a beautiful and effective workout. Thanks to the hammock, your body doesn’t feel the normal stress of gravity, helping to relieve joint compression and create spinal alignment. It’s easier to hold poses properly; sometimes for longer and with a better stretch. Not to mention – with it’s flips and inverted poses, it’s fun!

Trapeze
If AntiGravity yoga sounds OK, but you like to picture yourself as more of a swinger, what about trying the trapaze? Yes, you can live out your childhood dreams of running away with the circus through learning to trapeze! Trapeze classes will work the upper body (through hanging, pulling, rope climbing), and the core (through stabilizing your body, pulling your feet up through the air, and eventually flipping). In addition to these amazing body benefits, you’ll gain loads of confidence, grace and again, have a great time.

Barefoot Running
Like something a little more traditional, but just want to mix it up? How about trying the barefoot running craze? I know what you’re all thinking. It’s freezing outside and she’s recommending running barefoot? Actually, what I’m suggesting is trying out the new wave of low-profile running shoes (such as Vibram Five Fingers) that simulate the natural way that your foot moves when you runbarefoot. Barefoot running gained momentum after the success of the book ‘Born to Run’ by Christopher Mcdougall, which professes that our running shoes are too cushioned, lessening the natural abilities and strength of our feet.

Two caveats:

• If you choose the Vibrams, you’ll look funny. They are like brightly-colored gloves for your feet.
• Start slowly and build up distance over time. Your feet and joints need to build up the strength that they have lost through years of structured shoes!

Kettlebells
This is another traditional workout, invented in Russia, which has been used by bodybuilders for years. If you don’t know what a kettleball is, you’re not alone – it’s the cannonball weight that looks like it has a luggage handle. Sound familiar?

Recently, kettlebell workouts have become more popular to the masses thanks to the all-over workout that they provide. One of the basic moves of the workout involves swinging the kettleball, forcing the entire body, including the core, to contract as a group. Because these moves simulate things we do everyday (like lifting heavy grocery bags or putting things on a high shelf), kettlebell routines will also help prevent everyday injuries and pain. It is recommended that you learn to use kettlebells with a certified trainer as higher-than-recommended weights are typically used, and incorrect form can cause injury instead of prevent it!

Burlesque
Want to incorporate flying high, using your core, AND gaining confidence? Why not try burlesque dancing classes? Combining glamour, feathers, and sex appeal, burlesque classes not only burn some calories, but help you to shed inhibitions and love the curves that you have! Not to mention, it’s a great way to heat things up on a cold winter night…

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