5 Weird Ways to Get Fit
Image by Pixabay
The following is a guest post. If you are interested in submitting a guest post to YourHealthAtTheCrossroads.com, let me know through the contact form. Thanks!
“Weird” is a highly subjective term that absolutely has a place in fitness. Who says the only way to get fit is by running on the treadmill, lifting dumbbells, or slaving away on the stair machine? Those options work for a lot of people, but won’t last long-term if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing.
Muscles are really good at memorizing movements and patterns, and can quickly get used to having the same weight or types of stressors placed on them. Remember: Your body’s job is to adapt and give you the easiest life possible. Unfortunately, that’s not very conducive to increasing your fitness and getting the body you want.
If you want to get fit, sometimes you have to get weird. Challenge yourself to try a workout, sport, or event that seems out of your comfort zone. That’s when your body will go into overdrive, and you’ll burn more calories while stressing your muscles in a brand new way.
Ready to get started? Here are a few to try:
- Sandbag challenges. Personal trainers refer to free weights as “modalities,” though most people think of free weights as dumbbells. Dumbbells might be one of the most well-known, but there are endless options. Kettlebells, sandbags, and even flipping tires or carrying kegs fall under the free-weight training umbrella! Sandbags are especially interesting because they adapt to the body (not the other way around). Try carrying them up and down stairs Crossfit-style for a unique challenge.
- Pedicab it. Pedicabs are nothing new — you’ve likely seen them around certain metro areas. After all, they’re just called rickshaws in India! You don’t necessarily need to carry passengers to get a workout, but you can. Rent one, or if you fall in love with it, you can always use it as a side gig!
- Embrace ankle weights. Yes, it’s an approach that a lot of people make fun of these days, and you don’t see it much anymore. However, ankle weights certainly have their place in strength and balance training, especially if you use them right. There are a variety of exercises where you can only add weight with ankle weights, such as ballet kicks and donkey kicks. You can even try tucking a dumbbell behind your knee for certain exercises, but be careful, as this can be dangerous if done improperly. Ankle weight can be a great tool for increasing glute and leg strength and size. You can even wear ankle weights while dog walking for another fitness-focused side gig!
- Learn to walk a tightrope. If you think yoga is the ultimate option for balance, think again. Learning to walk a tightrope is certainly not as comprehensive as yoga for balance training, but it’s a very intense and fun way to increase your fitness. You’ll be surprised by how many places in your community might offer such a class, and it might be part of an overall clown or carnival-style fitness camp. Embrace your inner ringmaster and run away with the circus!
- Try aerial … anything. Blame it on Cirque du Soleil if you like, but aerial acts aren’t going anywhere, and fitness fans who’ve fallen in love with it — be it aerial yoga, dance, or performance — aren’t complaining. Whatever you choose to try, you’ll get a whole new experience when working out in the air. It’s an exciting way to rediscover a workout you’re getting bored with, or the perfect way to get introduced to a brand new one.
Everyone’s a little strange, and weirdness is something to celebrate — especially when it’s giving you a workout. Try something a little odd and you just might find the best workout of your life.
Jason writes for StrongWell and enjoys creating fitness programs that cater to the needs of people over 65.
Join the YourHealthAtTheCrossroads.com community and receive e-mail notification of posts like this, as well as info (and discounts) on exercise programs, books and more. Click here to sign up now!
