While exercise is a regular part of my weekly routine, sometimes I want a workout that’s anything but routine. We all want to and need to maintain healthy lifestyles, and mixing up our workouts every now and then is part of the fun.
It’s mid-January, and for me there’s no better time to start thinking of some fun, not-so-typical workouts to get my blood pumping while warmer weather is still a few months away. Here are some different workouts I have on my give-it-a-try list this year:
Boot Camp
You’ll have to be (or become) an early riser for this one. Many boot camps start with the sunrise, rain or shine, about three times per week. Cardiovascular exercise, flexibility, and resistance training combine to give you a workout that challenges your mind as well as your body.
Boxing Class
Talk about not being boring! Although a little intimidating perhaps for the non-sparring individual who’s seen all the Rocky movies to boot, boxing is a powerful workout that stresses speed over endurance. It’s easy to find a small punching bag and gloves at a local sports store, but starting off with a personal trainer’s assistance is the best approach.
CrossFit
This one’s not for the timid. CrossFit is a non-sport specific workout, and it’s used by police and military academies to improve strength and conditioning. It’s a total body workout, and you may find yourself climbing ropes, doing pull-ups, or carrying heavy loads through sprint distances – if you dare. Check out www.crossfit.com for more info on this killer workout.
Rock Climbing
I love the outdoors! If you’re like me, you’ll do as many outdoor workouts as you can. Rock climbing is one of them, although indoor manmade walls are a better fit for the beginner. It will test your physical stamina as well as your sharpness of wit, as it’s a test of your ability to master technique as well as fitness.
Ropes Course
Bring along a group of friends for this one. Ropes courses combine low elements and high elements outdoors, and focus on confronting one’s fears and anxieties (vertigo, anyone?). A professional course is very safe, and it’s a fun activity to do with others.
How will you challenge your mind and muscles this year?
By Mitzi Dulan and research assistance provided by Pam Majumdar.
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i love zumba and sports circuit classes to keep my exercise routine interesting and fun! i’ve been wanting to try out crossfit…thanks for the great ideas Mitzi!
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Just started rock climbing with friends a few months ago. It’s a great challenge, and even if you’re not that good at it to start, you’ll still have so much fun laughing with each other!
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Cool! Sounds like fun Megan! THanks for sharing!
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I have to try out Zumba! Tell me more about it!
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I love boot camp type classes, very intense! I also like taking hip hop and spin. I am going to challenge myself with training for a sprint tri this year
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I plan to do my first CrossFit class soon and I can’t wait!
I do pull-ups on days that I just don’t feel like anything else such as running, yoga, etc. They’re a total body workout!
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Let me know how your CrossFit class goes!
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In winter I get stuck in my workout regime… and it gets BORING! I am going to have to try some of these new workouts to get me through until spring when I can get outdoors again!
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You must try Zumba!! It’s blast! You sweat and burn calories and you just feel great when you are done! I really want to try boxing and rock climbing. I think that would be so much fun. Thanks for giving me some ideas!! Take care:)
Jen