SavvyHealthGirl's Blog

I don’t know about you, but I am already tired of the gym. Tired of the monotony of getting on the treadmill and taking my 15 minute run and then heading over to the ellipitical for my other 15 minutes, lastly 15 minutes of the bike. Boredom!!! I often feel like this cat lately, when I get close to the treadmill.

Haven’t we all been there sometimes? Like just a few hours ago. This is why I love my Tae-bo classes when I can make them. Not only is it a total body workout, but it keeps me going and energized. I am also pushing myself beyond my comfort limits and not slacking as I may be tempted to do when at the gym. This is definitelly a great alternative to the gym and especially if you are becoming bored with your new routine. Earlier this month, I promised you some alternatives to the gym for this exact reason. Many of us definitely need that extra motivation to exercise in the winter/colder months. Doing different routines outisde of the gym or fitness center may be just thing you need to get you pumped again!

Salsa Dancing - Works your arms, glutes, back, thighs and calves plus cardio. Helps you with your posture too! Not to mention it’s so much fun (to me), you learn a new talent and you get to go shopping for cute shoes (nothing below 2″). Just about every city has salsa dancing classes or hosts a salsa dancing night at clubs with classes held before it opens to the public. Some places are free and some have a nominal fee for instruction. Do a google search for your city and salsa dancing.

Kickboxing – Tones your entire body plus cardio! My Tae-Bo instructor says this is very different from tae-bo and she is correct. I have learned both methods and the movements are different, but I think either one can give you a pretty good workout. If you have just joined a gym and don’t want to lose money on your membership, check and see if cardio-kickboxing or similar classes are offered. Many of the Gold’s Gym and Bally’s offers them, as well as L.A. Sports Club. If you don’t belong to a gym, check into privately owned studios or the YWCA to see if they offer classes.

Yoga – Another total body workout, less the cardio. Tones your abs, arms, legs, back, and shoulders. According to my 8 year old niece, yoga is really good for centering so you can focus better. Yes, she actually told me this. It is also provides you with a vehicle to meditate as you strengthen your body. If you are a runner or a cyclist, yoga will help you with those muscle groups (hips, hamstrings, and shoulders) that are overtaxed with these types of exercises. Yoga is also great for new mommies and reclaiming your bodies. Again, just about every city has a yoga studio or provides yoga classes at the gym. Do a quick internet serach on Google.

I know there are so many other alternatives to the gym that I didn’t touch on like pilates, hip-hop dancing, tai-chi, and boot camp, but I didn’t want to overload you. Like the others, simply conduct a quick Internet search for these types of exercises and you are bound to find places where you can attend and try them out. Also, check with friends or colleagues for referrals. They may also turn out to be your new exercise buddy. If all else fails, rent or buy a DVD of your favorite activity or if you have Comcast or DirectTV find the Fit TV channel and get to moving!