Lets face it. Despite the fact we all know that we're supposed to keep active, persuading ourselves exercise is a good idea can be a bit of a nightmare. Staying in bed for an extra 30 minutes seems significantly more appealing than pounding the pavement, while hitting the gym after work feels like a mammoth task we're too tired to complete. But when you find something you love, exercise doesn't seem like such a chore. I'm not one of those people who really enjoys traditional forms of exercise, so when I decided I wanted to get fit I had to really think outside the box. I did a little research and found that actually, there's a whole range of alternative exercise you can do. So here are my top five alternatives - why not give them a whirl and see how you get on!
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Ballet/Cardio Barre
Don't be deceived by the steady pace of regular ballet. Not only does this form of exercise give you awesome core strength, it's good for posture, toning and you can burn up to 600 calories for every 90 minutes you dance. Check out Central School of Ballet in Farringdon or Danceworks on Bond Street for regular classes. If you're after something a bit more high intensity, cardio barre takes ballet to the next level. Classical piano chords are thrown to the wolves in favour of banging dance music that makes you desperate to move. Visit Frame in Queen's Park or Shoreditch to give it a try.
Aqua Zumba
A result of the Zumba craze that swept the nation a few years ago, Aqua Zumba is a lower impact exercise than its Brazilian dance inspired counterpart and is pretty much just an excellent pool party. Great for those with sore joints, it combines the best bits of Zumba with the weightless feeling of aqua. Don't be fooled though - it may be harder to raise your body temperature in a swimming pool, but you'll certainly still sweat. Take a look at swimming.org to find your closest class.
British Military Fitness
If you're the sort that responds well to being pushed to your limits by a spot of fear, British Military Fitness is the class for you. Join loads of like minded folk on one of The UK's many outdoor green spaces for a boot camp type experience you won't forget in a hurry. These classes run all year, so prepare to get wet and muddy but see results pretty quickly.
Aerial Yoga
This does exactly what it says on the tin. Revolutionary fitness centre GymBox really turns fitness on its head as you find yourself suspended in aerial hammocks. This allows you to hold your poses for longer and eases stress on your joints. Challenging, strenuous and intense this ticks all the boxes for alternative exercise.
Roller Skating
Don't think we've time warped back to the 80's. Roller skating (or in line skating if you're feeling brave) is an awesome way to burn up to 250 calories per 30 minutes and it's a pretty cool way to see wherever you live. And who hasn't daydreamed about roller skating down Hollywood Boulevard in a bikini and a pair of hot pants? All you need is a pair of skates... It's time to get some practice in!
Have you tried any of these forms of exercise before? Can you see yourself roller skating or packing up for boot camp?
Written by Alice-May Purkiss
@alicemaypurkiss![]()
Ballet/Cardio Barre
Don't be deceived by the steady pace of regular ballet. Not only does this form of exercise give you awesome core strength, it's good for posture, toning and you can burn up to 600 calories for every 90 minutes you dance. Check out Central School of Ballet in Farringdon or Danceworks on Bond Street for regular classes. If you're after something a bit more high intensity, cardio barre takes ballet to the next level. Classical piano chords are thrown to the wolves in favour of banging dance music that makes you desperate to move. Visit Frame in Queen's Park or Shoreditch to give it a try.
Aqua Zumba
A result of the Zumba craze that swept the nation a few years ago, Aqua Zumba is a lower impact exercise than its Brazilian dance inspired counterpart and is pretty much just an excellent pool party. Great for those with sore joints, it combines the best bits of Zumba with the weightless feeling of aqua. Don't be fooled though - it may be harder to raise your body temperature in a swimming pool, but you'll certainly still sweat. Take a look at swimming.org to find your closest class.
British Military Fitness
If you're the sort that responds well to being pushed to your limits by a spot of fear, British Military Fitness is the class for you. Join loads of like minded folk on one of The UK's many outdoor green spaces for a boot camp type experience you won't forget in a hurry. These classes run all year, so prepare to get wet and muddy but see results pretty quickly.
Aerial Yoga
This does exactly what it says on the tin. Revolutionary fitness centre GymBox really turns fitness on its head as you find yourself suspended in aerial hammocks. This allows you to hold your poses for longer and eases stress on your joints. Challenging, strenuous and intense this ticks all the boxes for alternative exercise.
Roller Skating
Don't think we've time warped back to the 80's. Roller skating (or in line skating if you're feeling brave) is an awesome way to burn up to 250 calories per 30 minutes and it's a pretty cool way to see wherever you live. And who hasn't daydreamed about roller skating down Hollywood Boulevard in a bikini and a pair of hot pants? All you need is a pair of skates... It's time to get some practice in!
Have you tried any of these forms of exercise before? Can you see yourself roller skating or packing up for boot camp?
Written by Alice-May Purkiss
@alicemaypurkiss