Get Morning Report and other email newsletters

Get Morning Report and other email newsletters

As you set your wellness goals for 2022, think about which exercise routines you’d like to incorporate. If those ideas feel a little stale, reach out to studios in your area to see if they offer any of these unique classes.

With many that offer low-impact routines and addicting results, you’re sure to find something to pump new life into your workouts this year. Here are seven of the most popular classes to put on your calendar.

If you’re a fan of traditional yoga and would like to shake things up, look for an aerial yoga studio in your area. Instead of sitting on mats, you’ll be suspended from a harness in the air. Most harnesses include different strands of fabric to use for supporting various poses as well. Because you’re in midair, the mindfulness aspect of yoga might be harder to achieve—veteran yogis may welcome the challenge! Make sure you start with the beginner classes, even if you feel confident in your yoga abilities. The midair maneuvers require special techniques for safety that you want to learn before moving on to advanced poses.

For some fully clothed fitness that will leave you “the good kind of sore” the next day, try pole dancing. Recently rising in popularity, pole dancing requires substantial endurance and upper body and core strength. Practicing even the most basic moves will give you a full-body workout (and some bruises, so make sure to wear long leggings to minimize irritation). You’ll also walk away with some self-confidence-boosting moves to energize your ego, too.

Remember the fun of jumping on a trampoline for hours as a kid? You probably don’t remember what good exercise it is, too, but the cardio benefits will be clear after your first trampoline workout. Some trampoline fitness classes are offered through gyms, but most are sponsored by trampoline parks that serve primarily as entertainment venues. If you’ve had to give up high-impact exercises like running due to joint trouble, trampoline workouts are a great low-impact alternative.

Give spin class a twist by trying aqua cycling. Bikes are submerged underwater, and participants work against the resistance of the water for a steady workout. Because you’re pushing against water (rather than resistance from a flywheel or other mechanical component), the exercise is very low-impact and perfect for those who’d like modified activity. Many athletes recovering from injuries, pregnant women, or those with limited range of motion have found relief in the water. You can still get a great workout by pedaling faster to raise your heart rate!

Dance meets drumming in this high-intensity workout that’s all about rhythm and fun. Using weighted drumsticks, you’ll get an upper body workout as you increase your heart rate from jumps, spins, and dance moves. Without realizing it, the movements will work your stabilizing muscles and improve your balance and concentration. This class is perfect for those who like to feel motivated and energized throughout the workout. The company’s slogan, “Rockout. Workout,” says it all.

Inspired by high-flying circus acts and the dance cardio craze, bungee fitness suits participants in a harness that’s attached to bungee cords on a ceiling pulley system. You’ll then learn techniques that allow you to swing and pose in time with the music, all while using the resistance of the bungees to develop strength in your core, legs, and upper body. While a low-impact activity, there are certain precautions for those with any recent injuries, so make sure you check with your local studio before your first class.

Can you belt out that classic tune while your heart rate is above 100bpm? Find out in a cycling karaoke class. Combine a typical spin workout with your favorite songs in an atmosphere that takes all of the stress out of exercising. While most songs are planned for downtime in the routine, you might find yourself panting for air regardless!

Sign up for one of these fun fitness classes today!

The news and editorial staffs of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.

Get Morning Report and other email newsletters

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.