More Fun Exercise - It May Be Possible to Have Fun While Exercising

A while back I asked some members of Twitter Moms to comment on what they thought were fun ways to get exercise. Based on many of their responses, I wrote the article Fun Exercise-Is it Possible to Have Fun While Exercising?

Since then, I've found some other new and unique exercises that just might be fun also. Have you ever heard of any of these?

Aerial Fitness - Learn aerial tricks that trapeze artists perform by swinging from trapezes, ropes and fabric suspended from the ceiling. The moves are a lot like Pilates because you use your own body weight as resistance. Aerial fitness is supposed to strengthen your entire body and core, and improve flexibility in shoulders, legs and back. Not sure I am going to run out and try this, but if you're interested go here for more info.

Aqua Zumba- Zumba is an aerobic fitness program that combines body sculpting movements with dance steps derived from Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Hip Hop, Mambo, Rumba and so on. The routines feature aerobic interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms.The creator of Zumba teamed up with an aqua aerobics expert to create an underwater version. Aqua Zumba is a low impact exercise that is supposed to condition arms, hips and legs using water resistance. I would like to try just plain Zumba first, but if you're interested, go here for more information.

Bodycombat-While Tae Bo is the combination of martial arts, boxing, and dance, bodycombat is a mixed bag of martial arts - karate, tae kwan do, kung fu, kickboxing, muay thai, and tai chi. Bodycombat is like being in your own ultimate fighting challenge as you move through a fast series of punches, kicks, and moves. Bodycombat is supposed to improve cardiovascular fitness and coordination, while strengthening your arms, legs and core. I would try a Bodycombat class, for beginners. If you're interested, go here for more info.



Kangoo- Bounce your way through an aerobics class like a kangaroo! Kangoo requires that you strap on a pair of spring-loaded boot (mfrs. claim that the boots reduce impact on the joints up to 80 percent.) Kangoo is supposed to give you a cardio workout and strengthen your legs. While participating gyms provide the boots, you can buy your own pair (starting at $179) and start doing kangoo at home. This actually looks like fun, if you're interested, go here for more info.

New York City Ballet- Do the same stretches and strength-building exercises used by professional ballet dancers. Moves are performed to classical and other styles of music. Classes are designed to suit any experience level. Some classes are taught by professional dancers and choreographers. New York City Ballet is supposed to tone the legs and abs, improve flexibility, posture and cardiovascular fitness. I know this is probably the best way to tone up but....y-a-w-n..too boring....if you're interested, Go here for more info.

Parkour- Ever imagine what it would be like to move around like Spiderman or your favorite superhero? Parkour teaches you the most efficient ways to jump, run, roll, vault, balance and climb over and around benches, stairs, and other obstacles found in the city parks and streets. The moves are credited to French soldiers practicing ways to escape enemies, and now they get your heart pumping. Parkour is supposed to build strength and agility as well as improve cardio fitness. I would have tried this one about twenty years ago. If you're interested Go here for more info.



RealRyder- Turn this "stationary" bike's handlebars left and right and the frame responds by titling from side to side, mimicking the motion of a real ride. Work harder to maintain balance during climbs, sprints and turns. The RealRyder is supposed to boost cardiovascular fitness and tone upper body, core and legs. Adding this feature to a stationary bike seems like it would make riding slightly more exciting if not actually fun. I would try it. If you're interested, go here for more info.



Punk Rope- Jump-rope drills, relay races and conditioning move with names like "shark tag" make Punk Rope a fun exercise class with a grown-up edge. The soundtrack is a combo of ska, psychobilly, country, surf rock, samba and of course, punk. Punk Rope is supposed to improve cardio fitness, coordination, agility, balance and strength. Not sure I could keep up but, I would try it! If you're interested, go here for more info.



At the rate these exercises are evolving, you are sure to find something that is fun-for-you. I'm just wondering what they will come up with next?