Think outside the gym: Workouts that won’t leave you bored

Augusta University Health2 min readMay 6, 2016
A dance fitness group working out at the gym

Not the treadmill type? Who can blame you? The “walk to nowhere” isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun workout.

“And let’s face it: If it’s not fun, you’re probably not going to stick with it,” said Dr. Angela Duke, a physician at Augusta University Women’s Health.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for spicing up exercise routines if traditional regimens don’t inspire you.

Off the beaten path

Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week. What you choose to do is entirely up to you, but consider these unique workouts:

  • Hula hooping. Try weighted hula hoops and see if you can go for at least 10 minutes. Regular hula hoops can also help you meet your aerobic exercise goals, with 30 minutes burning an average of 165 to 200 calories.
  • Obstacle courses.Whether they’re part of a gym’s boot camp class or laid out in a weekend event (such as Fort Gordon’s annual spring Marine Mud Challenge), participants can expect big-time obstacles, such as throwing tires or hoisting themselves over walls.
  • Ballet-inspired workouts.Want a dancer’s body? Then try barre classes, which build flexibility, strength, balance, agility and endurance. Oxygen Fitness Studio in Surrey Center, Pure Barre Augusta and Evans Fitness Club offer classes.
  • Aerial yoga. Sometimes called anti-gravity yoga, this discipline has participants performing adapted yoga poses while using silk hammocks that hang from the ceiling. The payoff? You get in some good stretching and work your core muscles. Talk to Space Yoga Studio in the Summerville neighborhood of Augusta or Home Downtown Yoga in downtown Augusta.

Do this first

Haven’t had a checkup in a while? You should get checked regularly, but especially if you’re planning to begin a new exercise program. To make an appointment with a physician at Augusta University Family Medicine, call 706-721-4588.

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