1. Obstacle Course Races
There are a variety of companies that have traveling obstacle courses including Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash. They’re great for pushing you to the limits of your physical capabilities and often include intense challenges that require weeks or months of training to complete. In the case of Tough Mudder, participants are required to be part of a team in order to help each other through the course – obstacles include swimming through a pool of ice, running through a field of live wires and a set of incline & decline monkey bars slicked with mud that cross an icy pool. Obstacle course races are not for the faint of heart!
2. Yoga
This ancient art has roots in the spiritualism of India and has incredible physical benefits as well. Most yoga studios offer beginners classes and are welcoming to people of all fitness levels. If you consider yourself as new to fitness, I suggest trying a hatha practice. If you have a workout routine and want something a bit more challenging try taking a hot yoga or Bikram class. Whichever type you choose, there is a period at the end called shivasana, where you lie is stillness, on your back and relax. To get started, try out the Foundations of Yoga course on Lift.
3. Zombie Run
Are you interested in running? Are you wanting to train for a marathon? Why not practice running from zombies? This incredible app is available on iTunes and Google Play Store. After you download the app, place your headphones in, start the app and run. The audio plays a story as you run. When suddenly, zombies attack! Using GPS the app tells you where to run in your local neighborhood to avoid the zombie horde. Keep moving and collect items such as ammo, health kits and points. The best part about this app is that it is fun AND you are getting exercise! It has several different levels and a deep storyline, to keep you wanting to run more and more.
If you’re a first-time runner and want a program to help build your endurance for running from zombies there’s Ease Into Running, an eight-week program to ease yourself in to running.
4. Rock climbing
Rock Climbing gyms are popping up all over the United States, and there is a good reason why. It’s fun! Many social circles are taking on rock climbing as a group activity. It is physically demanding, but there is plenty of downtime to socialize and recharge for your next climb. It is a great way to meet with friends during the week, catch up and still get your fitness in.
5. CrossFit
Are you ready to push your edges? Do you want to get into the best shape of your life? Do you want to be part of a team that will keep you on track of your goals and keep you accountable for them? Then CrossFit is for you! This is not for the person looking for a causal or relaxing fitness practice. Most of these gyms are setup on high intensity workouts and high bar setting for fitness goals. But, the camaraderie you will experience here will be unmatched from any other workout you do.
