The best way to workout is not knowing you’re working out at all, am I right?! Sure, being fully conscious of your body burning each single calorie mid-squat is an exhilarating feeling… for some—but for most, the constant awareness of your thighs burning as your feet pound the pavement, breath shortening with every stride, and sweat pouring down your beet-red face is something we’d rather not dwell on.
With our #100activedays campaign well on its way, we have been racking our brains for fun and exciting ways to get active that involve zero traces of boredom. To step up the wow-factor of your workouts, we’ve listed our favourite unique (and some rather odd) exercise classes that will surely make you break a sweat without even realizing it.
Anti-gravity yoga
Unfortunately, this type of yoga does not involve being in space or making a trip to the NASA training grounds — but it does involve being upside-down suspended by large pieces of silk supporting your body weight. This hammock-like fabric will take your yoga practice to a whole new level with its great health benefits—and it’s a pretty cool story to tell.
Tabata
Okay, when I said you wouldn’t realize you were working out, I kind of (totally) lied. This particular workout involves HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)…now doesn’t that sound fun? But in all realness, this workout will transform your body into ways you never thought were possible. Best part? Some tabata workouts are only 4 minutes long and can last up to 30 minutes — but beware, they are really hard but definitely worth a try!
Pole-dancing
I will clear this up right off the bat—no, we do not mean taking up stripping. Pole-dancing is actually a brutal full-body workout that will have you feeling sexy the whole time! These classes are designed to work up your cardio and flexibility, and strengthen up your bod.
Circus class
If you’ve ever dreamed of running away with the circus, or just want to “clown around” (apologies for the awful pun), these classes are for you. Everything from trapeze, to juggling, to slacklining — these hidden workouts are fun for all ages.
Trampoline
Take your workout airborne with a cardio-heavy trampoline class that combines strength-building and core conditioning all while having fun soaring through the air.
Strength and Heels
Test your strength in a pair of heels (seriously!). Leave it to Madonna to create a fun workout class that has you strutting yourself while working up a sweat in some pumps. (This class is only available at Madonna’s Hard Candy gyms so far!)
Hula Hoop
Why not kick it old school and take it back to everyone’s favourite recess activity — the hula hoop! Work your core and dance along to upbeat tunes while blasting some mega calories.
Dance
I’m willing to bet everyone has had the “I should try a _____ dance class one of these days” epiphany. Whether you want to channel your inner black swan with some ballet classes, go “Step Up” style with hip hop, or finally take your partner to that salsa class you’ve been dying to go to, dance is a great way to torch calories while having some fun!
Playground
Tackle a solid workout and have fun with your kids with this two-birds-one-stone trip to the playground. Run around the park with your kids, push them on the swings, or play on the monkey bars for a mega arm workout. Make up your own playground workout and get creative!
Which class do you want to try? Tell us about it in the comments below!