5 Alternative Workouts for People Bored of the Gym
Even the most consistent fitness habits can fall by the wayside. That regular morning run on the treadmill can start to feel a little repetitive, leaving you—and your body—craving a change of scenery.
That’s when you know it’s time to shake things up and introduce a little quirkiness into your routine. And, if you don’t have a fitness regime at all, starting with something a little bit different should help get you on track.
Whether you’re looking to save money by ditching the gym membership, or just fancy mixing things up a bit, these alternative workout ideas will help get you moving.
Shaking up your fitness regime can improve motivation—and make things more fun.
Yoga with added goats
Haven’t tried goat yoga yet? You’re missing out. Yes, it’s bizarre, but that’s exactly why it’s brilliant. Who wouldn’t feel better after an hour’s stretching and snuggling with playful goats? The laughter alone will do wonders for your abs, not to mention your general sense of well-being.
The Goat Yoga website has details of class locations and tips for how to make the most of your ‘kid-friendly’ alternative workout. There are also classes with wine tasting afterwards, just to step up the weird wonderfulness even more.
No kidding—goat yoga is the hot new thing. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with these cuties?
Take your pooch
Along the same lines, ‘Doga’ (yoga with your dog) classes are popping up around the US and Canada. They say you’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine with a reliable partner, after all—and who’s more reliable than your barking best friend?
Puppy Yoga has classes in Toronto and Ottawa, or search for a Doga instructor near you. Austin Doga, Bushwick Veterinary and YogaForce all offer the opportunity to practice your downward dog with your actual dog.
Increasing numbers of Doga (dog yoga) classes are bringing a new meaning to downward dog.
Just dance
Being swung (or swinging yourself) around a dance floor somehow doesn’t feel like a workout. Probably because it’s just, well, fun. Yet dance classes can tone muscles you never even knew existed. Maybe you’re a sucker for salsa, or perhaps you’ve always had a penchant for the Paso Doble.
Most dance schools and instructors offer classes and programs for different levels, so having two left feet is no excuse. You can find places to strut your stuff in most towns and cities, whether it’s a weekly line-dancing session at a church hall or swing classes at a cocktail bar. Just imagine everyone’s faces when you show off your slick new moves at the next party...
Chance to get your groove on? Check. More fun than a gym? Check.
A personal trainer in your palm
Sure, signing up for personal training sessions at the gym could prove the ultimate motivator. It could change your life, and your body, for good. Or it could send you hiding under your duvet, frozen with terror at the thought of being yelled at while melting into a puddle of sweat on the treadmill.
An app that curates bespoke workout programs could be an alternative, and less stressful, way to reach your fitness goals. Some apps offer free exercise videos and tips, while most are available via monthly subscription (invariably cheaper than gym membership). Try Fitbit Coach, Zova or Runtastic, which offer combinations of guided workouts, tips and progress monitoring.
Plus, you don’t have to stand next to those super-fit gym bunnies in your baggy sweatpants. Bonus.
Fitness apps provide a handy alternative to gym memberships, and can be just as motivating.
Game changers
Gaming is no longer about collapsing onto the couch and slurping on soda while pressing a few buttons. Well, it can be, but an increasing number of apps and games are being released with fitness at their heart.
The Nintendo Wii and Xbox regularly add new alternative workout titles, and there’s a raft of new apps that introduce fun and games to fitness programs. Zombies, Run, for example, sends you dashing away from the undead, via missions broadcast through your headphones.
Prefer the classics? Try doing a few lunges, ab squeezes and squats while battling it out on Super Mario Kart.
Gaming can provide a decent workout if you do it right.
