Exercising your creativity ? top 10 fun alternative workout ideas ...

When you?re starting out with exercise, routine is really helpful to help embed the fitness habit. After a while though, it can get just, well? a bit routine. So here are my top ten ideas for some new fitness activities to try out to get your enthusiasm flowing again. Novel exercises will also utilise a different mix of parts of your body and specific muscles. This will shake your body out of its complacency and give you a fitness and confidence boost too. The only limit is your own creativity! Have fun and do report back on Facebook how you get on with these suggestions, or other new things you try out.

1. Spacehoppers

The ultimate silly way to workout. Retro hoppers are back in fashion, or you can try out funky new designs. They?re a great mix of cardio blasting, leg strengthening, core toning and competitive daftness

2. Pole dancing

Not just for aspiring ?adult? entertainers. Working a pole well needs real strength and will develop your flexibility at the same time as having a giggle with like minded folks in a class.

3. Roller skating

Forget the dusty old skates hidden in your loft or at the back of the garage. There?s a brilliant choice of fun, funky skates out there to try now. You can skate normally outdoors, at your local rink, try some tricks at a skate park or fire up your team spirit by getting into Roller Derby. Something for all levels of fitness and nerve!

4. Orienteering

If you think ?straight? running is boring, then this is your opportunity to exercise your mind whilst you?re moving. Fun for all the family (there are races and events for all ages), it?s also a chance to explore new areas at high (though not too high or you?ll miss the checkpoints!) speed.

5. Kettlebells

Fire up your posterior chain to work those big muscles in the back of your body. Get some proper tuition in a class or one to one before swinging these iron weights about the place. Focus on your cardio system with swings and develop explosive power and strength from dynamic lifts and movements.

6. Rowing

You can brave the chill of the river or canal by joining in with your local club. Or stay warmer by applying good technique (it?s NOT all about your arms!) on the rowing machine at the gym. Outdoor rowing is very skilful ? from just getting into the boat and keeping it upright, to perfecting the timing with your oars with your team mates.

7. Hula hooping

Another 70s throwback which has hit the scene big style recently. Powerhoop is the branded ?product? gaining all the attention and has classes on the timetable at loads of private and council run gyms. Fantastic for toning your core and working your waist in particular.

8. Martial arts

There are SO many martial arts out there and they range from mobility and movement based (e.g. Tai Chi/Chi Gung) to full on combat forms (e.g. TaeKwonDo/Kickboxing). Specific benefits depend on the type you choose. But they?ll all give you some structure and discipline within a social setting. You?ll feel you?re learning something useful (self-defence & self-confidence) and interesting too.

9. Ballet

A great way to develop poise, balance, flexibility and strength. The routine of regular classes will keep you focussed and intent on improvement. No tutus needed, but it?s a brilliant chance to dig out your leg-warmers and maybe even show off on stage.

10. Suspension training

Nothing to do with discipline difficulties at work! Using straps anchored to the ceiling, you can get your whole body involved in a different take on strengthening and toning. Find out if your local gym offers TRX classes to keep up your interest levels.

Which is your favourite? These are just a smattering of fun suggestions to get you going. An exercise routine doesn?t have to be routine to be effective. So get out there and mix it up!

Source: http://energywisefitness.co.uk/blog/2012/alternative-exercise/

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