6 unconventional workouts to try in Vancouver

Dec 20 2017, 4:01 am

Jogging? No thanks. Cross fit? Don’t think so. When it comes to exercise sometimes you just need something a little different in order to get you up and off your couch.

So from parkour to pole dancing, take a look at our rundown of some of the more unconventional work outs that you can try out right here in Vancouver.

Spin Class

Spin class / Shutterstock

Spin class / Shutterstock

Love bikes but hating biking? Then spin is the unconventional exercise for you. In all seriousness, spin is a hardcore work out. You get all the exercise of biking a few kilometres, all potentially steps away from your home and office. Best of all, many of the classes are short enough for you to take in your lunch break, so there’s no excuse not to go. You’ve also got a load of great options with places like Cyklus Vancouver, Spin Society, Eastwood Cycle Sanctuary, and many more helping you get your spin on in and around the city.

Aerial Yoga

Aerial Yoga / Shutterstock

Aerial Yoga / Shutterstock

Vancouver loves yoga. That’s indisputable. Vancouver loves yoga so much that it’s trying to find new ways of doing it. take for example aerial yoga. Suspended from the ceiling by a cloth loop, aerial yoga combines poses old and new with a sort of acrobatic grace. There are classes available at Tantra Fitness, so if you’re looking for a way to break up the boring old yoga doldrums why not get airborne?

Parkour

Parkour / Shutterstock

Parkour / Shutterstock

In the early 2000s, parkour took the world by storm. From Hollywood movies to homemade YouTube sensations, it was everywhere. And it still is. In fact Vancouver has its very own parkour gym, and at Origins Parkour you can sign up for classes, for beginners, for advanced practitioners, and even just fitness-based classes and free runs. You’ll never look at a staircase the same way.

Boxing

Boxing / Shutterstock

Boxing / Shutterstock

The sweet science. Boxing is a great way to get the blood up, and a great way to get a sweat going. A favourite pastime for decades, there are plenty of options of boxing classes in Vancouver. Sugarrays, Contenders Training, and Powercore Boxing all offer a variety of classes for a variety of skill levels. So whether you’re a seasoned pro of the squared circle, or you’ve never thrown a punch in your life, there’s something for you.

Pole Dancing

Pole Dancing / Shutterstock

Pole Dancing / Shutterstock

Formerly the wheelhouse of exotic dancers the world over, pole dancing has seen a massive resurgence in recent years as both a punishing work out and a way reclaim sexuality at the same time. There are more than a few studios around town that offer a safe, friendly place to get your grind on. Tantra Fitness, Urban Fitness, and AVA Fitness are all great places with good reputations, so go nuts!

Barre Class

Barre Class / Shutterstock

Barre Class / Shutterstock

A workout technique that combines aspects of pilates and ballet, barre is named for the stationary handrail dancers use to stretch and practice forms. The workout itself focuses on muscle strength, targeting the areas that most often contribute to weight loss as well. Studios such as Barre Fitness and The Dailey Method offer classes in and around Vancouver, as well as a few yoga studios such as Chopra Yoga.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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