10 Non-Traditional Fitness Classes to Try

Reminder! We’ve partnered up with the good peeps at PaleoHacks to bring you recipes (like this immunity-boosting soup), workouts (like this leg day at home one), tips, and more! PaleoHacks is a top source for amazing Paleo recipes, fitness tips, and wellness advice to help you live life to the fullest. Read on for some inspiring fitness ideas — and stay tuned for more healthy content from them in the coming weeks. 

Exercising by yourself can be great! You get to do it on your own time, and you can do it at your own pace.

But, let’s be honest, working out alone can also get boring … fast. Even if you have a form of exercise that you absolutely love, like any of these favorite HIIT at-home workouts, we all need to mix things up every now and then. Variety keeps our bodies well-balanced and ensures that we are strengthening muscles that we don’t usually hit.

A great way to do this is through group fitness. Classes are often way cheaper than hiring a one-on-one instructor, and the energy of a group makes things fun — which pushes you to work even harder.

If traditional group fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, or cycling don’t do it for you, give one (or all) of these 10 non-traditional fitness classes a try. No matter what you are looking for, there is a way to spice things up and make your workouts fun and effective.

(Don’t forget to stretch your hips and lower back when you’re done, and maybe soak in a hot detox bath or two!)

1. SURFSET Fitness

Get all of the benefits of surfing without ever getting wet. This surf-inspired exercise class uses a surfboard on top of three balance balls to help strengthen your core, improve your stability, and get your heart rate pumping!

2. Tai Chi

If you’re looking for a gentle, low-impact style of group fitness, try Tai Chi. This mind-body style of exercise is often described as “meditation in motion,” and consists of performing slow, continuous movements while focusing on deep breathing.

3. Burlesque

Don’t worry, they won’t make you strip down in this sexy dance class. This class is all about body positivity, and while it might feel silly at first, it’ll leave you feeling empowered and confident in your own skin. Burlesque gives you a chance to let loose and have fun, all while getting your workout in!

4. Punk Rope

This interval-style exercise class provides a playful mash-up of jump rope and creative fitness drills and games, all fueled by great rock ‘n’ roll songs. Be prepared to get your heart rate up and sweat when you attend one of these classes!

5. BogaFit

Take yoga to a whole new level and take a class on a floating mat! You’ll challenge your core with this boot camp/yoga fusion workout to improve balance and flexibility. It’s open to all levels!

6. Silks Class

Get ready to channel your inner Cirque du Soleil and get an incredible total-body workout when you attend one of these classes. Studios like Aerial Revolution in San Diego provide different levels of classes that teach you how to climb, wrap, drop, and twirl on whimsical hanging silks.

7. Goat Yoga

I mean, this has to be the cutest group fitness class ever! Goat yoga combines low-impact yoga with animal-assisted therapy to help you disconnect from day-to-day stress, have fun, and get in all of the goat cuddles you could ever dream of.

8. HulaFit

The days of hula hooping are no longer reserved for your 8-year-old self! HulaFit classes use a variety of fun routines that challenge your coordination, improve your motor skills, torch calories, and tone.

9. Animal Flow

This movement-focused exercise class will improve your mobility, strength, coordination, and athletic ability! These classes are great for all levels, and combine a wide variety of bodyweight exercises and ground-based movement combinations to help you to get into your peak physical condition.

10. Cycle Karaoke

Just when you thought cycling classes had reached their peak, Crunch Gym came up with Cycle Karaoke. This fun and unique class gives you the chance to sweat and build muscle, all while belting out your favorite song.

How many of these have you tried? How many WILL you try? —Kelly Collins