Wild and unusual workouts to try in 2019

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Wild and unusual workouts to try in 2019
photo courtesy of The Aviary

The new year is quickly approaching. Now is usually the time everyone starts brimming with optimism and boundless energy, convinced that the coming year will be the year. 

I’m fully on board with this attitude, and making reach-for-the-stars, no-holds-barred sort of resolutions in general. Granted, while I’m still working on the follow-through part, the first step is setting the goals you’d like to achieve in the first place.

Wild and unusual workouts for 2019

Naturally, for many of us, one goal that seems to crop up year after year is to get healthy and to get (back) in shape. So for this year, still reach for these goals, but do it in the most fun and entertaining way possible. Here are a few unusual and wild workouts that will be sure to keep you wanting to go back to class week after week.

The Bar Method

Perhaps as a little kid you always dreamed of becoming a ballerina. (Yes, I’m talking to the fellas too.) Well, now is your chance to finally fulfill that lifelong desire and get a killer workout at the same time. With the bar method, you get a full-body workout using both a classic ballet barre as well as moves using your bodyweight. And the best part is, the bar method uses specific isometric exercises and stretches that create fast results giving you that coveted graceful and strong dancer bod. I like the sound of that.

There are studios all around the metro specializing in the bar method like the appropriately named, The Bar Method, in the North Loop and Edina, or Pure Barre, with nine studios around the Twin Cities.

Aerial Fitness

After taking one of these aerial fitness classes you’ll be convinced you should run off and join Cirque du Soleil. These classes are anything but boring and stagnant. You don’t need to be strong or flexible to try out these classes, but certainly after coming back again and again, you’ll probably end up with quite the formidable upper body strength and great flexibility.

These classes are all about trying something new, having fun, and laughing when undoubtedly you don’t master the moves on your first go. Try out aerial and bungee fitness at The Aviary at either their Minneapolis or Minnetonka studios.

Pole Dancing

What better way to start out the new year feeling strong and sexy than with a good old-fashion pole dancing class? It definitely takes some strength and stamina to keep yourself twirling around that pole. You’ll increase your strength, flexibility, overall posture, and of course, your sassy and unstoppable attitude.

Most of the studios offer first timer and beginner classes to get you comfortable and to help you learn the basic techniques. Once you’re ready, you can move on to more specific classes focused on either flexibility, spinning, trick techniques, or entire routines. Try out your best moves at Dollhouse Pole Dance Studio or at Knockout Bodies.

Krav Maga

After taking one of these classes you will feel like the ultimate badass. If you’re unfamiliar with Krav Maga, it is an Israeli self-defense system that incorporates your instinctual reaction to an attack. It is designed for all fitness levels so no matter who you are, you’ll be able to defend yourself from an attacker.

Not only will you feel strong and safe, but you’ll get an incredible workout without even realizing it. You’ll build up your strength and endurance with a variety of classes around the cities. Check out a few of the workouts at Krav Maga Minneapolis and at Krav Maga Minnesota.

Climbing

This is one of the best ways to workout without it feeling like a workout. Climbing will challenge your mind as well as your body, and frankly, you’ll discover muscles you didn’t even realize were muscles. You can take a basic class where you’ll learn how to use all the equipment including the ropes, belaying, and knot tying so you feel comfortable before attempting to conquer the rock walls.

Other classes focus on movement, climbing technique, footwork, and preserving your strength where you’ll be so focused on climbing that you’ll forget you started this all with the intent to get in shape. To get started, try out Vertical Endeavors, the Minneapolis Bouldering Project, or Base Camp.

No matter which workout you choose, I have a feeling after trying out a few of these classes, this year will definitely be the year.

Read this next: Before you pay up and commit, I’ve tried out a few gyms for you