Is your regular workout is starting to feel stale? Do you feel like you’ve fallen into a fitness rut? Are you looking to add some variety to your fitness regime or just looking for something different to keep you motivated? Never fear, New York has quite a few unconventional workouts that are guaranteed to help you bust boredom and stay fit.
Aqua Cycling
If you’re ready to dive into one of New York’s newest and most unique workouts, then aqua cycling may be for you. Don’t worry; you won’t be loaded up with scuba gear during your workout. Aqua cycling (or aqua spinning) takes place on a stationary bike that’s submerged in a pool of waist-high water. This form of exercise has little impact on joints and is highly recommended for individuals recovering from injury or surgery, but it’s also beneficial for cross-training, prenatal care, stress relief, and weight loss. Aqua provides a variety of aqua cycling classes with varying levels of difficulty.
Hula Hooping
The modern hula hoop was invented in the 1950s, but this fitness craze has made a major comeback. In addition to reliving your childhood memories, hula hooping is great for boosting stamina, toning your abs, and increasing your flexibility. Fitnotic provides group classes, Skype classes, private sessions, and events.
Trapeze
Have you ever had the desire to run off and join the circus? I’ve got a better idea: keep your day job and try a flying trapeze class instead! The Trapeze School New York provides classes for all students regardless of athletic background or fitness level. A single session will work your upper body, core, legs (there’s only one way to get to the top, and it’s not by elevator) and the thrill of flying through the air is sure to get your heart racing!
Parkour
Few places embody the urban jungle vibe of New York better than the industrial fitness space at the Brooklyn Zoo with it’s graffiti-filled walls, custom designed steel cages, foam pit, and trampoline wall. The zoo has became known for their parkour and freerunning lessons, which teach students how to safely use everyday structures in new ways. You’re always moving, always experimenting. The possibilities are endless with parkour. This is one exercise that will never feel routine!
Lightsaber Fighting
Calling all Star Wars fans, now you can geek out while you get in shape. With the combination of martial arts and film-fight choreography, you can immerse yourself in the ways of the Force and learn how to fight with a lightsaber while breaking a serious sweat doing it! At Ripley Grier Studios, New York Jedi founder Flynn Michael and his instructors lead these two-hour classes every Thursday. A quick word of advice for all padawans: let the Wookie win.