When you think of working out, you might immediately think of a cardio or kickboxing class at the gym, weightlifting, swimming, running, and yoga. But there are so many other really fun and interesting workouts that you can try in order to provide yourself with the variety you need to prevent boredom, all while getting fit, slimming down, and challenging your muscles in new ways. Check out the less common workouts below to get started.

Rock Wall Climbing

Rock climbing is a super fun challenge that is surprisingly really hard. It will work just about every muscle in your body, and it can even challenge your mind as you figure out how to navigate a wall successfully to safely get to the top.

While extreme adventurers will head out into the great outdoors and do some really intense rock climbing against mountains, you can find a local rock wall climbing facility and get the same kind of workout in a totally safe environment.

Tap Dancing

Getting your body moving through dance is another fun way to burn through calories and fat. But beyond dancing like you would at the club, you can also take more formal dancing classes to get the blood flowing and strengthen your muscles.

Tap dancing is a great example of a dance routine that will surely get your lower body toned and strong. Plus, once you get the hang of tap dancing, you will definitely want to show off your skills to your friends.

Trampoline Workouts

Jumping on a trampoline isn’t just something that kids or gymnasts do; it is also a great way to get the blood flowing and the lymphatic system pumping to remove toxins from the body. People of all ages can give this workout a try, as it will be easy on your joints.

You may be surprised by how much muscular control and balance is required as you jump on a trampoline, and when you incorporate the use of light weights or resistance bands, you will definitely start to sweat. Ultimately, this is a great way to get a cardio and strength training session in, and it will be fun and challenging.

Pole Dancing

This cardio and strength training combo can be a great way to get a workout, embrace your sensuality, and exercise your sense of humor at the same time.  These classes are generally upbeat, open minded and include a lot of laughs.  While this does take a substantial amount of muscular strength, beginner classes help you to develop the techniques that allow you to get started at your own pace.  At the same time that you have fun less common workouts, you’re also likely to leave with at least one new friend.

Ultimate Frisbee

If you have at least two people and one flying disk, you have pretty much everything you need for a great game.  Check out the rules online and head to the local park for a great game that doesn’t just involve standing in one place and aiming the Frisbee at each other.  Instead, it’s a competitive sport that will have you running, bending, reaching and throwing until you’ve quickly built up quite a sweat – while having a lot of fun!

Hula Hooping

Instead of just standing around and using the hula hoop in place, this can become a fantastic tool to give you a whole body workout.  Pick up one or two hoops at the dollar store and give yourself enough space to spin them in every direction.  Keep in mind that the hoop may go flying now and again, so you might not want to practice while standing near your grandma’s beloved heirloom bone china tea set.

Instead, get started by learning how to use it around your waist, but then add a second hoop and see how you do.  Give your arms and legs a try, or even around your neck! These less common workouts have gone in and out of popularity over the decades. It’s time to bring them back to keep your muscles going and mind active. After all, it takes a lot of focus to keep one hula hoop going let alone multiples.  You may find that it is as mentally therapeutic as it is a great physical workout since you can’t think about anything except what you’re doing!

By implementing these less common workouts into your exercise schedule, you can definitely keep things interesting so that you will never grow tired of your routine. Have fun, be fearless, and watch your muscles grow and your fat melt away!