We all know the benefits that working out has on our physical, mental, and emotional health, but it can be hard to motivate ourselves to lace on the sneakers and head to the gym. Workout routines can quickly start feel repetitive and can make it seem more like a chore. But there are tons of ways to you can motivate yourself to work out, and one of those ways is by trying unique classes that are different to what you usually do.
Check out these five workout classes that are guaranteed to help you switch up your routine!
Suspension Yoga
Take a break from your weekly hot yoga class and try this high-flying, full-body workout. Suspension yoga is similar to aerial yoga in that participants use a fabric sling to do a combination of moves inspired by yoga, Pilates, and acrobatics. However, the sling used in suspension yoga includes handles to further enhance your workout. It’s a great workout to help you strengthen your core and build your balance. While it may seem daunting to take part in an activity that has you suspended from the ceiling, this workout is safe for all fitness levels, and studios tend to offer a variety of classes to makes sure you feel totally comfortable.
For more information on suspension yoga and its benefits, check out this article by Wanderlust Festival.
Barre Class
Popular with the Victoria’s Secret Angels, this workout is inspired by the discipline and sculpting aspects of ballet to give you a cardio and strength training class like no other. Using the barre to help with balance, the instructor will lead you through a series of reps that borrow from ballet, yoga, and Pilates. Often, weights and resistance bands are also used during the class to help build strength. It’s a high-intensity, low impact workout, so you can finish the class feeling strong and healthy, minus the post-workout body ache. No dancing experience required!
To learn more about barre workouts and what to expect from your first class, read this article by Fitness Magazine.
SURFSET Class
It’s safe to say that Canada isn’t known for its beach weather, but that doesn’t have to prevent you from reaping the benefits of surfing. This class has you performing traditional exercises like planks, lunges, and stretches with the added benefit of using a surf trainer, which mimics the uneven surface and design of a traditional surfboard. The surf trainer ups your workout game by strengthening your core as you do these standard exercise movements. It’s definitely a high-intensity workout, but the results alone make it worth it!
For gym locations and more information, visit the SURFSET website.
SkyRobics
Thanks to the growing popularity of SkyRobics, gymnastics class is no longer the only time you can bounce around on a trampoline! Offered at Sky Zone Trampoline Park’s various gyms, where the floors and walls are covered in bouncy trampoline material, this low-impact workout makes exercises like push ups and sit ups much more fun, and gets your heart rate up. Using the trampoline as a base also makes these traditional workout moves easier on the body, so it’s a great workout class for anybody to join.
For more information and to find gym locations, visit Sky Zone’s official website.
Hula Hoop Fitness Class
While hula hooping might not have been your forte at recess, this workout class will make you fall in love with this childhood activity. Using hula hoops that are slightly larger and heavier than the average ones used on the playground, you make your way through a full workout that has you using your legs, arms, and abs, plus fits in a little bit of cardio. Throw in a power pumping playlist, and this class makes it impossible not to want to get up and move!
For more information, check out this in-depth Hoop.org article.
Do you have a unique workout that you think your fellow Empress Avenue readers would love? Don’t forget to share them in the comments below!