It is just a fact of nature that the mind and body both crave motion and stimulation. What makes it tough though, is that you can only spend so many hours, in the gym or run so many laps, in the park, before your workout goes from mind awakening to mind numbing.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Inspired by Sovereign’s #lifetakecharge mantra, here are five new workout ideas that will not only have you breathing easier, this summer, but will put a smile on your face as well.
1. Barrefigure
For those with a love of dance, who crave more than just the cardio that Zumba offers, we suggest you give Barrefigure a try. If you ever studied ballet you know how challenging bar work can be. Now imagine bar work combined with resistance training, Pilates and yoga all set to music. The first ever New Zealand Studio has opened up in Auckland recently but keep your eyes peeled as this will be coming to a place near you soon I’m sure.
2. Rock Climbing
This one has been around for a little while and it is worth giving it ago. Rock Climbing is one of the most dynamic and challenging workouts you will ever receive.
Not only will you stretch yourself physically your mind will be challenged as you try to map your best path to the top. Climbing Walls can now be found everywhere with plenty of indoor rock-climbing studios popping up, and, as you advance you may want to try the real deal on a weekend outing to the real deal outdoor parks.
3. Pole Dancing
Pole Dancing isn’t just for Gentlmens Clubs. It has grown into a recognised art form with talk of it even being added to the Olympics! It requires strength, flexibility, stamina and offers a never ending challenge both physically and creatively. Classes are widely available in most cities and becoming more common every day. Pole Dancing or Pole Fit is pretty fun especially with your bestie on the pole next to you.
4. Paddleboarding
One of the fastest growing water sports in the world, Paddleboarding combines the best of surfing and kayaking in one blast of a good time.
If you enjoy the water, this is a great new activity to try. You can start out lying prone, on the board, but will find you quickly progress to kneeling and then standing. It is great for exercising the entire body, especially the shoulders, back and core, without even realising that you are working out. This will be my summer go to!
5. Jump-Fit
I tried this over the winter and after 5 minutes I was dead fitness wise but I still had a smile on my face. Release your inner child and give Jump Fit ago. A study carried out by NASA found that 10 minutes bouncing on a trampoline is a better cardiovascular workout than 33 minutes of running. Pretty impressive.
If you notice the one thing that all of these activities have in common is fun. With the exception of Barrefigure, none of them should technically be called workouts, even Jump-fit is more on the fun side than exercise side
We all need exercise. That is a given. It is good for us body and soul, but exercise doesn’t have to be work and doesn’t have to be done in a gym. It can be fun. It can be entertaining. It can be creative and it can be something, you will love to do. Mix it up this summer and make exercise fun again.
This post was inspired by Sovereign and #lifetakecharge