Ready? Set? Make Your Workout Creative!

How about adding some creative variety to your workout routine (and by creative, I mean, well, very creative!)? If you are searching for something new and different and imaginative – here are some rather unique workouts to consider: 

NAKED YOGA: We cannot have the creative workout talk without naked yoga topping the list. For some, naked yoga allows a true self focus in the most liberating of environments. For others, it could mean some really unique views. However, most studios with naked yoga classes will also offer one-on-one classes for those who want this experience but are not ready to bare it all in a room full of strangers. My only advice? Bring your own mat.

DOGA: And while we are on the topic of yoga, why not bring Spot along? Doga is dog yoga – class with your beloved, furry friend. With meditation, stretching, and even gentle massage, humans and dogs work out as a single unit; people help their dogs pose and dogs become props while their people perfect poses. With a focus on connections between beings, doga can help establish a pack mentality, strengthen the human-dog bond, and add entertainment and love to a workout routine. 

ZUU: Created in Australia, Zuu celebrates the movements of wild animals through cardio, strength training, and agility exercises. And yes, all of the above are inspired by primal movements and animal instincts. You might find yourself crawling like a bear, arm swinging like a gorilla, etc. You have to admit – wild animals tend to be pretty fit; perhaps it’s time to unleash your beastie.

KARAOKE SPIN: Are you a closet singer? Or better yet, a karaoke diva? Then why not add to your breath control and abdominal work while you sing through your spin class? It definitely takes a lot of control to have a solid, strong voice during an intense cardiovascular workout. Oooh, is that harmony I hear? 

WATER WALKING: Water walking takes place outdoors on a body of water, inside a bubble-like sphere; but there is no denying it looks just like a hamster ball. Basically, one steps into the giant ball and attempts to walk on the water. It’s not as easy as it looks. In order to stay upright, you must engage your core and move, move, move. Most definitely a full-body, full laughter workout. 

Surf SET: With specialty boards that simulate wave motions, these cardio classes have you paddling, balancing, and duck-diving! Add music and some imagination and you might as well be vacationing in Hawaii… well, sort of. A very fun way to work on balance, core muscles, and imagination.

AQUA CYCLING: Don’t drop your bike in the pool just yet – check out an aqua cycling class instead (they’ve already dropped their bikes in the pool, and theirs are waterproof). With stationary bikes submerged about four feet under water, clients sit waist deep and pedal away. This full body workout is a calorie burner, a cellulite buster, and therapeutic. In fact, it originated in Italy as a type of physical therapy – it was soon appreciated for all around fitness.

And just in case nothing above resonates for you – you can always check out creative exercise phone apps. Do a little search; at the very least, you will get some novel ways to move your body. Or better yet, come up with your own creative, fun, and safe exercise ideas.

Happy workout everyone! May your creativity inspire, tighten, sculpt, and soar!