Let’s face it… we get bored easily with the same workouts on the agenda week after week. It’s time to switch things up to something more fun and entertaining. Ditch the dumbbells and pick up a new exercise that feels a lot less like “work”. With these 7 unconventional workouts, you are bound to get some smashin’ results, and have a blast while doing so!
If you're a gym junkie or want to try this traditional route for fitness, isit our store pages for Gold's Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, Equinox, Fitness19, and LA Fitness for ways to save on your gym membership.
If you are someone who owns a gym membership, you may have seen that weird looking sled that people are always pushing around. Too intimidated to give it a try? Next time you are at the gym, get in line because it’s definitely worth your time! If you are not a member at a gym, improvise at home. Throw some rocks in a wheelbarrow, head outside, and race around the yard for a similar effect. If you have small kids at home, use them to your advantage! Put a laundry basket on top of a blanket and place it on the hardwood floor. Let the kids take turns while you push them throughout the house. This is an amazing total body workout that gets the heart pumping and the legs burning all at the same time.
If you are getting bored with your workouts, start adding pilates to your weekly routine. Pilates is a great way to activate every muscle in your body for a kickin’ workout! Head to a pilates group class or pop in a workout DVD at home. While you are getting a total body workout, you can rest assured that you are using every minute wisely and not wasting any of your time. Pull out that yoga mat and get ready to sweat with this challenging, yet fun way of working out.
Whaaat? Dancing is a workout? Heck yes it is. A recent study showed that people with heart conditions who danced for 20 minutes a day, three times a week, saw their health improve much more than those who just did traditional cardio workouts. There are many fun types of dances that you can do - line dancing, zumba classes, or just turn the radio on and start jumping around! Whatever you prefer, it’s time to get that music going and burn some calories!
There are tons of different ways to do squats, but have you ever done them while holding a sandbag? If you have a sandbag at home (or something similar), throw it on top of your one shoulder and squat away. The reason you should hold the sandbag on one shoulder is so the weight is uneven on your body, making your abs work twice as hard. If you have a baby at home, simply hold them on your side while you are squatting and it will have the same effect!
Looking for a bit of a challenge? Try whipping out some handstands. Handstands are a great way to build up your core while keeping every other muscle tight as well. By strengthening your legs, arms, and tummy, this is a perfect full-body workout. If you are not able to do a full handstand, do one against the wall for increased stability. A little scared to try the full handstand? No worries, just try out a headstand to start. Go into a tripod with your body, and balance as you try to push your feet up in the air. Again, if you need some stability, try this against a wall.
Let’s relive those fun childhood memories by bringing out your hula hoop again. No more boring workout routines with this sweet addition. Hula hooping strengthens your core and can work out the rest of your muscles as well! Can’t feel the burn as much as you’d like to? Pick up a TWO POUND hoop at the store and it will make a heck of a difference!
As weird as it may sound, a hammer and a tire is all you need for a burning workout. Most of us have a hammer somewhere in our tool kit, and something old that we don’t mind smashing (an old tire or thick stump of wood is ideal). Hitting a hammer down onto a tire is a workout you will feel for days after you are done. Stand 1-2 feet away from the tire, bring the hammer across the body and strike away for a full-body workout.
There are so many things that you can do for a great workout, but many of these types of things go unlisted when making your weekly routine. With these unconventional workouts, you can make your routine much more exciting at home, or really anywhere you want! Next week, do yourself a favor - add at least one of these workouts into your routine, and see the results that come with!
