Can't commit to traditional exercise routines? Try some alternative fitness and learn how to fly instead!
Summer is approaching quickly on the east coast and that means an influx of “fitspo” articles that tell you about how you can obtain a “beach body” this year. This is not one of those articles. After all, if you live in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, you only need to drive a few hours east to put your body on a beach. Getting a beach body, easy. Usually, getting fit is not as easy. Alternative fitness is a great way to get fit year round without all the pressure to put on a string-bikini or a tiny speedo.
Maybe you’re like me and you live in a suburban area with lots of nice walking trails. On a nice day there are at least 5 runners on every corner, jogging impatiently at stoplights to the rhythm of their “Get Fit” Spotify playlist. If you're like me then you probably want to be one of those people. It's possible that you even went out and bought running shoes thinking that then you might be motivated to actually run... It is also possible that was just an excuse to go shopping.
Fitness isn’t just about changing how your body looks when it’s covered in suntan lotion and sand on a hot summer day. Fitness is about changing the way you feel about yourself inside and out. The same form of fitness might not be for everyone. Maybe you’re tired of feeling bad when you fail to go running for the 166th day this year (who is counting anyways? Definitely not me).
Maybe you want to find a new form of fitness that fits your lifestyle and body type? You might even want to do something that will inspire a new-found self confidence, one that rewards you for stepping off the well-trodden walking path.
So, how can you do it?
Below are 5 new forms of fitness classes and where to try them in the Northern Virginia-D.C. area. You can try them out this spring or summer or fall or winter; no matter the season or whether or not you can afford a beach trip this year, you’re guaranteed to have some fun in these classes and maybe even use some muscles you didn’t know you had.
1. Contemporary Circus Arts
[caption id="attachment_1289" align="alignleft" width="300"] Aerial Hoop, Courtesy of the National Centre for the Circus Arts[/caption] When we hear circus, we think Ringling Bros, Barnum & Bailey (R.I.P): elephants and lions and tigers, oh my. But today, circus is changing and quickly becoming a form of alternative fitness that teaches normal people from all over the world to defy the laws of gravity. Circus arts are guaranteed to get you fit and flying through the air, whether it’s on flying trapeze, dance trapeze, aerial silks, corde lisse, cloud swing, or aerial hoop (also known as lyra). In Falls Church In D.C. (Navy Yard)2. Pole Fitness
[caption id="attachment_1290" align="alignright" width="300"] Noelle, Courtesy of Pole and Aerial Fitness of SW Florida[/caption] Scary, I know. Don’t worry, it’s not all 8” heels and flying dollar bills. This misunderstood form of alternative fitness is the definition of empowering. It's gaining more and more recognition as a real form of fitness and even as a competitive sport. Pole fitness classes are made up of women and men (gasp! Yes! Even men pole dance!) of all shapes, sizes, and origins. The classes are designed to make you feel good about how you look right now, and they are sure to get your muscles working.3) Gyrotonic
[caption id="attachment_1291" align="alignright" width="300"] Gyrotonic Method, Courtesy of Exercisewise.net[/caption] If you are wishing that a "Gyrotonic" was a trendy new cocktail that uses obscure, locally sourced ingredients, then you're not alone; yet, somewhat disappointingly, Gyrotonic is a new approach to movement and alternative fitness. According to Gyrotonic.com, the method “addresses the entire person, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength, and movement efficiency.” McClean D.C. (DuPont Circle) D.C. (Georgetown Plaza)4) Aerial Yoga
[caption id="attachment_1297" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pigeon Pose, Courtesty of Unnata Yoga and Aerialyoga.com[/caption] Yoga, in the air? Aerial yoga is, for the most part, very different from the aerial fitness done in circus arts, but it does introduce your body to the many benefits of being upside down. Most classes incorporate traditional yoga poses with the use a fabric hammock to assist in stretches and postures. It can help you strengthen and stretch your muscles and joints while using breath and gaze.5) Acrobatic Partner Yoga (Acro Yoga)
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGJJinX1vGI[/embed] This isn’t normal yoga where you sit on a mat alone breathe really deeply and get sweaty; instead, you breathe really deeply and get sweaty on a mat with another person, maybe even two other people! Acro yoga is a challenging form of alternative fitness and it's guaranteed to put your muscles to work. Additionally, it is a lot of fun, a great way to build trust, and may even result in fits of uncontrollable laughter.If you’re on Facebook you can also join the D.C. Acro Yogis Facebook group to stay up to date on workshops, meetups, and classes!
What is your favorite way to get fit any time of the year? Drop a comment below and let us know!