Creative Exercise

How about adding some creative variety to your routine? And by creative, I mean very creative. If you are searching for something new, different, and imaginative, here are a few unusual workouts to consider.

• Naked yoga — for some, it allows a true self-focus in the most liberating of environments; for others, some rather unique views. Most studios that offer it also have one-on-one classes for those who want the experience but aren’t ready to bare it all in a room full of strangers. My only advice? Bring your own mat.
• Doga — why not bring Spot along? Doga is dog yoga: a class with your beloved, furry friend. With meditation, stretching, and even gentle massage, humans and dogs work out as a single unit — people help their dogs pose, and dogs become props while their people perfect theirs. It can build a pack mentality, strengthen the human-dog bond, and add a little love to a workout.
• Zuu — created in Australia, Zuu celebrates the movements of wild animals through cardio, strength, and agility work. You might find yourself crawling like a bear or arm-swinging like a gorilla. You have to admit, wild animals tend to be pretty fit — perhaps it’s time to unleash your beastie.
• Karaoke spin — are you a closet singer, or better yet a karaoke diva? Add to your breath control and abdominal work while you sing through your spin class. It takes real control to hold a strong voice during an intense cardio workout. Oooh, is that harmony I hear?
• Water walking — this one happens outdoors on a body of water, inside a bubble-like sphere that looks just like a giant hamster ball. You step in and try to walk on the water. It isn’t as easy as it looks: to stay upright, you must engage your core and move, move, move. A full-body, full-laughter workout.
• Surf set — with specialty boards that simulate wave motion, these cardio classes have you paddling, balancing, and duck-diving. Add music and a little imagination and you might as well be vacationing in Hawaii. A fun way to work on balance, core, and creativity.
• Aqua cycling — don’t drop your bike in the pool just yet — try an aqua cycling class instead. With stationary bikes submerged about four feet under water, you sit waist-deep and pedal away. It originated in Italy as a form of physical therapy and was soon appreciated for all-around fitness.

And if none of these resonate, you can always look up creative-exercise apps. Do a little search; at the very least you will find some novel ways to move. Or better yet, come up with your own creative, fun, and safe ideas.

Happy workout, everyone. May your creativity inspire, tighten, sculpt, and soar.