Sure, everyone knows the importance of working out and exercising. But whether or not it’s enjoyable could be an entirely different story. Furthermore, workout routines can get boring quickly if you don’t switch it up enough. Well, we don’t know if you’ve ever come across these unusual workouts, but check them out anyway, and give them a try!
1) Running Backwards
You can walk, jog or run. But have you tried doing it backwards? It’s a big thing, apparently, and not that new either. Running backwards also brings more benefits than regular running, including using more muscle groups, allowing bones and joints to absorb shock better and works the lungs more effectively just to name a few. In certain places, there are even backwards running championships!
2) Capoeira
Capoeira is actually an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics and music, created by African slaves in Brazil during the 16th century. Participants exchange attack and defense movements in a constant flow, rather than in fixed positions. Today, Capoeira has a protected status as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. As a martial art, Capoeira can be challenging, but fun to partake in nevertheless!
3) Kangoo Jumps
Jumping and other related movements can sometimes take a toll on our joints, but not with kangoo jumps! Forget about trampolining; kangoo jumping is the way to go because you can wear them and workout indoors or outdoors! Basically, you strap on kangoo jumping shoes, which have springs attached to the sole to absorb more impact, and start working out. There are licensed workouts you can follow, or simply pull up a YouTube video to check them out.
4) Zuu
Here’s something to try: acting like animals. You read that right; Zuu is a HIIT workout based on movements of different animals. But it’s not to be taken lightly, for it was originally created for the military, elite athletes and police, where workout equipment wasn’t necessarily available. Nathan Helberg, an Australian fitness guru, is the creator of Zuu. Some of the movements resemble animal movements very closely, hence the animal theme.
5) Doonya
Have you ever watched Bollywood movies and thought that their dance choreography is actually pretty complicated and impressive? Doonya is what you can do to pick up some tips! Also known as “the Bollywood workout”, Doonya is a dance-based HIIT training program. It’s headquartered in New York, but you can always visit the website for virtual classes, or check out videos to see what it’s like.
6) Aqua Cycling
Spinning, cycling–whatever you call it, you might have seen it or tried it. But less commonly, aqua cycling! It’s exactly the same thing as regular cycling, except that you do it in a pool. Specifically, the lower half of your body is submerged, whereas your upper body remains above water. Originally meant to be a form of physical therapy, the resistance of water is supposed to make the workout low-impact and restorative.
7) POUND
According to its website, POUND is a “full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements”. Oh, and it also uses lightly-weighted drumsticks called Ripstix®, so you’re essentially drumming while working out. So think of POUND as a sculpting workout, but with more flexibility and freedom. It’s a fun workout that gets the job done!
8) Yoga + ?
Yoga has been around for a very long time, and people all around the world practice yoga not just for physical benefits, but for mental wellness as well. However, there are lots of different types of yoga popping up, some of them quite unprecedented. There’s acroyoga, pool yoga, doga (yoga and dogs), goat yoga, polga, aerial yoga, beer yoga… seriously, the list goes on, and you can type in any combination in the Google search bar and come up with something. Some of them are met with skepticism, but to each their own!
With all these workouts, you’ll need some proper workout gear. Get some workout equipment to start off, and make sure you have suitable sports shoes. Lastly, remember to stock up on workout clothes as well!
