Home workouts are an effective way to meet fitness goals without spending hundreds on gym membership or studio fees, yet it’s crucial that you remain mindful of both your health and safety while exercising at home.
There are numerous unconventional home workouts that will keep things interesting and prevent boredom; not only are these unusual workouts entertaining but they’re also effective!
1. Aerial Silks
Aerial silks are long strips of fabric used by performers to move and balance in the air. Like other aerial arts such as hula hooping and static trapeze, aerial silks may help improve upper body development, increase flexibility, and promote a sense of well-being.
Aerial silks, often seen at circus performances, have recently gained in popularity as a fitness activity. Utilizing stretchy fabric fixed to a hook, aerial silks allow for dynamic yet graceful movement that makes an impressive display at circus shows and performances.
Aerial silks exercise the entire body, specifically in the back and core. While flexibility is beneficial, it can be acquired over time with consistent practice. A qualified instructor should always supervise this form of physical activity for best results – for beginners especially, classes usually begin with a warm-up session to prevent injury.
2. Trampolining
Trampolines offer an effective way to burn calories and get a cardiovascular workout without stressing out joints like running or jogging does. Plus, their playful design makes them great exercise equipment pieces for children as well. Now there are compact versions for use at home called rebounder trampolines, fitness trampolines or mini trampolines which come in various shapes and sizes!
Professional trampoline gymnasts utilize trampolines to fly through the air and fulfill Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Higher, Faster, Stronger). Trampolines help improve balance and build core strength while building muscles throughout the body – plus aerobic exercise like trampolining can even relieve stress while fostering the growth of new brain cells!
3. Dance-Based Fitness Classes
Dance classes like OULA Fitness are becoming increasingly popular as an effective, low impact cardio workout that burns calories. Not only can these classes offer low impact aerobic fitness benefits, they’re also great opportunities to meet like-minded people and form supportive communities of peers.
This class is taught by an instructor who leads participants through a series of movement cues accompanied by multi-genre pop music from around the globe. This unique method of movement known as guided improvisation enables participants to move however they please without memorizing set choreography.
Dance fitness classes such as Zumba can help to both boost energy and build confidence both physically and mentally. Other dance-based fitness classes, like burlesque dancing – an enjoyable combination of dance and sensuality that promotes body confidence – have also become increasingly popular with millennials.
4. Schoolyard Games
One of the best schoolyard workouts is an age-old classic: dodge ball. This game gets kids moving while giving them an outlet to express themselves creatively and socialize with one another.
Riddle-driven obstacle courses provide another effective team-building activity. Before recess, disperse riddles through your playground equipment and partner each student with another classmate to solve each challenge before returning to the starting line.
If you’re searching for a schoolyard game suitable for younger students, try Rabbit Hole or Sardines. Similar to hide and seek, but with an added creative element. One student acts as “it” while the rest of the class searches for him/her — only for them all to eventually discover who “it” really was — until eventually all are discovered by a final student who becomes “it.” This game promotes patience and teamwork while building resilience among its participants.
5. Handstands
Handstands may seem difficult at first, but with practice you will discover their great benefits and find a new sense of freedom! Handstands engage core muscles while building upper body strength and gaining an aerial view of your surroundings – something only gymnasts could achieve before!
Be able to do a freestanding handstand? When starting out, a wall can serve as a useful support and spotter while developing the technique. Begin by walking your feet up the wall as you enter an L-shaped handstand by the wall; gradually build up to holding an upright straightened handstand against it (a spiderman against-the-wall pose). When you can hold freestanding handstand against a wall for 30-60 seconds without breaking, progress on to performing push up holds, walks or hops using this as support!
