Looking for an uncommon exercise? Perhaps you jog. Maybe you do bench presses and squats. And you mix things up with the occasional spin class. Even though you feel better afterwards, you’re beginning to get bored with your current regimen.
Maybe it’s time to try something new? The following nine types of exercise will get your muscles moving in more creative ways. You’ll experience a host of health benefits, as well. So where should you start?
1. SLBR
How are your core strength and balance? You might think you are strong and sturdy until you try this challenging exercise using a stability ball
To perform this exercise, lie on your back on the stability ball. Place the rod across you just above the midline of your chest. Roll side to side on the ball. See how far you can make it without falling.
Don’t worry — if you hit the floor, just get back up and try again.
2. Aquatic HIIT
HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training, and it can blast your cardiovascular fitness to new heights. It challenges your heart rate with periods of hard work followed by briefer rests.
However, this type of workout can hurt if you have rheumatoid arthritis or another chronic pain condition.
Enter aquatic HIIT, where the buoyancy of the water reduces pain by supporting your weight. A-HIIT can be ideal for those with limited mobility lacks balance and coordination. You’ll get all the intensity without the jarring motion on your knees and hips.
3. Sandbags
You might think of sandbags as devices to protect your home from a flash flood — but they also make a great tool for physical fitness! The best part? If your budget is tight, you can make homemade versions with canvas sacks.
You can perform multiple compound movements that use more than one muscle group. Try side lunges with front raises “8”side lunges with front raises and single-leg deadlifts with a row.
4. Sliders
Have you seen shiny mats and booties at your gym? These sliders can rock your core with stability exercises that also blast your legs and arms. You will build shoulder and core strength with alligator drags.
Get into a pushup position on the slider and pull your body forward by walking your hands. When you reach the top, pause. Slide one leg up towards your side, then switch to the other to work your lower abdominal muscles.
5. Aerial Yoga
Do you think you can never master the challenging scorpion asana? Maybe you could if you could fly! Aerial yoga uses soft cloth ropes suspended from the ceiling to stretch your body in new ways.
You can perform moves like wrist wrap shoulder stretches after a hard upper-body day on the weight floor. This movement opens up your chest and your shoulders like none other. If you have a park near you and straps, you can use the monkey bars and other park equipment to get in a workout at no cost.
6. Weighted Climbs
Both stair and rock climbing blast your hamstrings. However, if you want to engage your core and amp up your cardio without spending more time exercising, add a weighted backpack to your routine.
You can buy specialty weighted vests, or you can repurpose a well-fitting pack you own by filling it with sandbags or light hand weights.
7. Backward Running
You might raise some eyebrows if you take this exercise outdoors in the U.S. However, people in Japan and Europe regularly practice backward running for the health benefits.
This form of workout enables you to get in at least some miles, even if you have a hamstring injury. It burns calories quickly and improves your posture. Plus, you’ll likely enjoy a laugh or two, which works your core muscles.