If you are going to the gym and doing the same thing all the time, or you go running everyday, and you’re losing motivation, it is likely that it’s time for you to try something new. So, we’re here to give you some inspiration on unique types of exercise you can try to regain your motivation! We’ve got something for everyone here, from low intensity exercise to things you can do at home and more upbeat classes that will really get your heart racing. All you need to do is put on your favourite matching gym set and get ready to fall in love with a new type of exercise!
Pole Fitness
First up we have pole fitness, which makes use of a vertical pole within the fitness classes. Over time, you will build up fantastic upper body and core strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and an awareness of your own body. It might have gotten a bad reputation over the years, but pole fitness is showing that this is a fun and empowering way to exercise and so many people are jumping on the trend. It is also becoming much more mainstream, so you are likely to be able to find clubs near you to try this out. You will be able to do a trial as well, so you won’t be dragged into a subscription or anything before you know whether it’s for you. However, the best piece of advice we can give you is to make sure that you give it some time, as the first few sessions will be challenging whilst your body adjusts to this new type of fitness, because it will keep getting easier and more fun the longer you give it. This is also such a great way to meet new people, as these classes are all about empowerment so you will meet like minded people! It’s also important to make sure you’re eating enough healthy food, as this will be putting your body under quite a bit of pressure, so you need to up your protein and calories to see the benefits!
Walking
Next up, if you’re starting out your fitness journey, we’d definitely recommend walking more! This is something you can do completely for free, it’s also a chance to get out of the house and enjoy the fresh air. The power of walking is often underestimated, as it can help you to maintain a healthy weight, lose body weight, prevent serious health conditions, improve your cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and help you to feel more energised. You could do it on a treadmill in the gym on colder days if you want to, or wrap up warm and get out into the countryside.
It is advised that you aim for around 10,000 steps a day if possible, or an average of 70,000 across the week if you don’t have the time to do 10,000 everyday. So, you might do a really nice long walk on a Sunday that’s 17,000 steps, so the average for the other days in the week drops slightly. If 10,000 seems unreasonable for you to begin with, then aim for a couple of thousand more than you’re already doing. So, if you do 2,000 on average at the minute, aim for 4,000. Once this becomes comfortable and a normal part of your routine, increase it again by another 2,000.
Dance Classes
If you love to move your body, then a dance class is the perfect type of exercise for you. Even if you have no experience, there are dance classes all over the place for you to try, with all levels of experience welcome. You might want to try something completely new like a street dance class, or perhaps you want to go to something upbeat like Zumba. Another option would be to go for something more classical or formal, like Ballroom or Latin if you want something a bit more serious.
Not only is dance great for your health but it is also so good for your soul, as there is something so special about dance that is hard to find anywhere else when it comes to fitness. So, whether you want to rekindle an old talent or you’re trying dance for the first time, just enjoy yourself and you’ll be surprised at just how quickly you pick it up.
Skip Rope
If you’re looking for a form of fitness you can try at home on your own to get you back into the swing of things, then getting a skipping rope is fantastic. There are so many benefits to doing just a few minutes of jump rope a day, from improving your cardiovascular fitness to it being a full body workout and helping with your coordination. Plus, it’s really fun! Start off by just spending time getting used to the rope and the rhythm, then gradually get faster and try new techniques as you go. There are plenty of tutorials to help you along the way, but you should also find your own rhythm eventually! A few tips to get you started is to jump on the balls of your feet, to just relax and not try to jump too high, to avoid swinging your arms and shoulders and focus more on your hand movements and finally, make sure you use the correct length rope. You should look for a rope that is between 6” and 14” above your head when you are skipping, so it really just comes down to what you feel comfortable with. If you’re a beginner, it’s safest to go with a rope that is around 10” above your head and then see how you get on from there! The great thing about skipping is that it is also super affordable, as you can find skipping ropes for as little as a couple of pounds. If you do fall in love with it, later down the line, then you can invest in a better rope.
Outdoor Swimming
Another great form of unique exercise to try is outdoor swimming. There are plenty of outdoor swimming clubs all over the country, and as well as having all of the physical benefits of swimming, the colder conditions also help to reduce muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, improve circulation, boost your brain power and also help to improve your metabolism. The first few times you go, you might find it very cold, but your body will soon get used to it and you will thrive off all of the benefits. It is likely that you will need to wear an outdoor swimming wetsuit, a swim cap and goggles, although the club you enquire to will tell you everything you need to stay safe and comfortable whilst you’re in the water. This one is definitely left field, but it’s a fantastic thing to do for your physical and mental health.