5 Unconventional Fitness Activities to Try in LA
After having the best time burning cals and biking around the Westside lately, I’ve been pondering other ways to get a dose of fitness with a dash of fun.
I’m all about getting a great workout without feeling like I’m working out. It’s why I avoid the gym and opt to hop from one group fitness class to the next — the novelty distracts me and keeps things exciting.
Aside from regular workouts though, I really enjoy finding unique, fitness-based activities that you can do with friends — things to break the monotony of the standard happy hour with the gang.
Not so surprisingly, there are tons of really cool spots to do that here in LA.
Looking to have fun, a few laughs, and without even realizing it, also get a great burn? Check out these five awesome, unconventional fitness activities to try in LA!
1. Jumping
When is the last time you caught air? Not since grade-school? You’re way overdue for solid jump sesh!
Trampoline parks like Rockin’ Jump offer fitness fans the opportunity to burn major cals while having a blast.
Jumping on a trampoline — aka “rebound exercise” — is actually better for the joints than running due to the low-impact elasticity of the springs. And, according to a study funded by NASA, it has the potential to burn more calories (about 400-500 per hour) than jogging.
In addition to just jumping, there’s also trampoline dodge ball, a foam pit you can flip into, and a bouncing basketball court.
Think this sounds like an activity strictly for the underage crowd? Think again. My friend celebrated her 30th birthday at a trampoline park and it was one of the most fun — and sweaty — parties I’ve ever attended (and I’ve been to Coachella six years in a row).
Want to practice your back-flip and get a great burn? I’ve got four free passes to Rockin’ Jump for the first person who calls dibs in the comments!
2. Laser Tag
Another activity you may not have enjoyed since your younger years is the time honored tradition of blasting your friends with laser beams.
Considering the popularity of films like Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy, I’m guessing you know quite a few young-at-heart adults who would get a kick out of returning to their roots for some old-fashioned laser tag.
Again, I have a friend who celebrated his recent birthday at Ultrazone with a private laser tag party and everyone had a great time. The beer and snacks in the break room was an added bonus — despite counteracting the calorie burn!
3. Pole Dancing
Mom, Dad — don’t judge. According to Usher,”if you dance on a pole, it don’t make you a hoe.” That’s the facts.
PLUS — it’s so fun!
I first heard about pole dancing for fitness back in my early days at E! when hot bod Desperate Housewives’ star Teri Hatcher jumped on the trend (or, er, pole).
Some friends and I gave it a try and it was just as fun/funny as you’d expect. Not only will you burn a bunch of cals flipping yourself up, down, and all around, you’ll also come out of it with a few sexy moves.
Several studios here in LA host classes and private parties. Ready to release your inner Demi Moore? Check out BeSpun, S Factor, or Evolve.
4. Aerial Arts
AIR Los Angeles will teach you how to twirl through the air like a pro while building major upper body strength.
I recapped my visit to the unique studio in this post, but what I didn’t mention was how much fun it was. I went back with a girlfriend and we couldn’t stop laughing as we spun, flipped, and danced around the room.
Try it out the next time you need a new idea for girl’s night out!
5. Hula Hooping
I thought I’d seen it all, and then I saw this. Jagged Vertical Dance Fitness Studio not only offers pole dancing, silks, and acro yoga classes, they also have a workout called Hoop Movement dedicated solely to hula hooping!
I would be skeptical of the amount of fun and fitness you might experience taking a class like this had I not tried a hula hoop workout in the past. They’re actually pretty intense.
And how can you not have a good time when you’re shaking your hips like Shakira?! You can’t (not), that’s how. It’s super fun.
Weigh In: What unconventional fitness activities have you tried? Want the passes to Rockin’ Jump? Let me know below!
*This post is sponsored by Rockin’ Jump but all opinions are my own. Check them out in San Dimas, Santa Ana, and San Diego.
Anh says:
Whitney, great ideas! I’ll definitely try trampolining sometime this spring. Sounds like an effortless and fun type of effective exercise. Aerial arts will be second on my list. :) Thanks!
Whitney English says:
Awesome! Glad you’re going to try them! Let me know how it goes :)
Patti Cakes says:
This makes working out look like SO much fun! Great ways to burn calories and socialize!
Whitney English says:
Totally! Fun + fitness is always a great combo :)
Bonnie Armstrong says:
Wow! These activities look fun. I think I should call my friends and try the Laser Tag. I can’t wait to have a good time. Thank you for sharing this awesome post.
Whitney English says:
You definitely should!!
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