8 Non-Traditional Workouts to Stay Active

Let’s be honest… unless you’ve been bitten by the gym bug, then working out probably isn’t your idea of a good time. But you and I both know it’s a necessary part of staying healthy and feeling confident.

Fortunately, it’s not hard to get your heart rate up! And within the last couple of years, I’ve found myself gravitating toward non-traditional workouts to meet my body’s needs in a loving and fun way.

Here are 8 fun alternatives to working out:

Jumping

Kids are onto something with this one. Jumping on the trampoline is a great alternative workout to burn a lot of calories in a short period of time. Not to mention, it puts less stress on your joints than jogging!

You can play games of horse, try bouncing up onto platforms, and just enjoy what it’s like to be a kid again! Grab your friends and try out one of Tampa’s many trampoline parks. They usually have good deals for time-based jumps.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing can strengthen your muscles and test your flexibility. And it doesn’t matter if you stick to the level 0 climbs because you will still feel it tomorrow.

Me and my friend went to Vertical Ventures in St. Pete, and they had all the equipment we needed for a fun afternoon. There’s a boulder area, which allows you to climb freely on obstacles of different levels. Or you can strap in and climb on one of the main walls.

Pole Dancing

Pole classes aren’t just for bachelorette parties or professional dancers. This non-traditional workout empowers you to embrace your strong, sexy side. Plus, you burn calories and build upper body strength at the same time.

I did pole classes for about two months and just started up again, and it’s a blast. I go to Buttercup Pole Dance on Hillsborough Ave. and the teachers are all so nice and helpful. You don’t need any experience — just show up with comfortable shorts (to help you stick to the pole better) and an open mind!

Read my complete pole dancing review here!

Tennis

Now, this one is more of a traditional workout, but it feels more entertaining than walking on the treadmill. A good rally will get your heart rate up, test your balance and challenge your range of motion. And of course, you’re gonna burn a ton of calories and engage your core like crazy! (There’s a reason Serena Williams looks so good.)

There are plenty of courts all over Tampa — and probably one in your very own neighborhood. All you need is a patient friend who knows how to play, some equipment, and a cute tennis skirt, duh!

Kayaking

Want to work your upper body? Try kayaking! You’ll get a strong arm workout when you’re traveling against the current and soak up so much vitamin D along the way!

There are plenty of kayak rental spots along the Hillsborough river and even on the beach (although I wouldn’t suggest starting with a beach session if you’ve never done it.) If you’re a student, you can kayak at the USF Riverfront Park for just $5 an hour!

Dancing

If you’ve ever broken a sweat on the dance floor or woken up sore after a night out (and not just because you fell), you know dancing is a workout. Whether you try zumba, sign up for salsa classes, or just dance around your room, it checks your workout box.

Twerk Tabata classes with @soulairawellness were a favorite of mine during quarantine. I got a good cardio and core workout, while learning how to shake what my momma gave me.

Bike riding

Riding my bike was my go-to during quarantine, and I wish I did it more now. Depending on your intensity and terrain, it can be really good cardio. But it’s also just such a whimsical pastime and the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends. Ride down Bayshore or through Tampa downtown and explore the city.

You don’t even need to own a bike. Thankfully, Tampa’s Coast Bike Share program allows you to rent bikes by the minute — and even offers daily, monthly, and annual passes for a discounted rate.

Walking

Last but certainly not least, you can hop on the riverwalk and get those steps in! I love starting near Armature Works and walking to Curtis Hixon Park and back. You can chat with friends, listen to music, or honestly just unplug (we all need that from time to time.)

No matter what activity you choose, the most important part is to try and move your body for 30 minutes to an hour at least 4 days a week.