Alternative Fitness – 6 Nontraditional Ways to Be Active

Regular exercise is a vital part of good health at any age, but going to the gym or jogging isn’t for everyone. In fact, boredom and lack of enthusiasm can cause many people who would love to exercise to just stay home and watch Netflix instead.

If you’re ready to stop procrastinating and start exercising, here are six alternatives to traditional exercise that will get your heart pumping and help you get in shape.

1. Swimming

Not only is swimming something you can do year-round, but it’s also an amazing low-impact exercise for people with back problems and joint pain. Many people who suffer from chronic illness struggle with their weight because traditional exercise is too painful.

Water takes pressure off muscles by supporting up to 90 percent of your body, alleviating joint pain and making it easier for people with injuries and long-term illnesses to stay active.

2. Yoga

Yoga is all the rage nowadays, and it’s easy for anyone to start. With thousands of free YouTube tutorials, apps and sites on the web, you can jump into yoga as a beginner and begin feeling its benefits almost instantly.

An additional advantage of yoga is its emphasis on the breath; many people use yoga as a means of reducing stress and treating anxiety and depression. Better mental health, along with increased flexibility and toned muscles, makes yoga a great choice for people who want a low-key, effective workout.

3. Barre Class

You don’t need to be a professional dancer to have fun and get fit in a barre class. The activity draws from several different types of exercise including yoga and dance. With patience and persistence, you can improve your flexibility, increase your range of motion and have fun learning how to manipulate your body into a variety of fun stretches.

4. Martial Arts

From karate to taekwondo, you can feel like an action star as you learn to kick, jump and spar. A big advantage to martial arts is the added socialization you’ll receive from taking classes. Many forms of exercise are solitary, but martial arts studios are a great way to meet others and make new friends.

5. Indoor Rock Climbing

All the adventure without any of the danger! If you live in the city or prefer to stick indoors, take some climbing lessons at an indoor rock climbing center near you. You’ll place greater emphasis on strength and endurance than weight loss and cardio, but climbing is a fun workout that can be done with family and friends any time.

6. Rollerblading/Skating

Throw it back a couple of decades and strap on a pair of roller blades or skates. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of roller rinks around, and you’ll have a blast getting to skate around under flashy lights to catchy music.

Use your desire to find alternative workouts as a chance to explore new interests. There are plenty of ways to get the house, get moving and meet new people. Trying new things is good for your mind and body, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!