From time to time we can reach a bit of a ‘stalemate’ with our fitness routine or our yoga practice. And when we’re getting a little tired or bored, it isn’t going to happen as often as we would like (or we’re likely to lack putting in all of the effort that we normally would). Our progression can halt a little when we feel like this too, as our body reaches a plateau. So pushing yourself further or trying something new can be a good idea from time to time.

If this sounds like you, and you need to shift your training slightly, then here are some innovative fitness routines to try out when you’re next ready to mix things up.

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Aerial Yoga

Aerial yoga needs to be experienced to be believed. While it can feel a little odd the first time that you go upside down, you know you’re supported by the yoga swing or trapeze and can do some amazing moves much more easily in the air than you can on the ground. So it is a great idea for beginners to asana yoga, as there is the support, but you can feel great moving your body in new and fun ways. Equally, an experienced yogi can get a big benefit from aerial yoga. Not only is is fun, but being on a yoga swing can help reduce discomfort that you might feel during regular sessions. This will free you up to focus on your breathing. However, the most important function of a yoga swing is to make sure that you have proper alignment when doing yoga asana. So it is a good way to keep form, avoid injury, and mix up your yoga practice.

Fierce Grace Yoga

The Fierce Grace method of yoga, or hot yoga as it can be nicknamed, has many benefits to you. Plus, it can be a fun way to mix up your routine. You can feel like you have done more of a workout than a regular yoga session, as the heat raises your pulse and breathing rate too. Then mix it with a yoga session and you’ll be ready for a lie down afterwards; it really is a good workout.

The difference with the heat is that it not only raises your temperature and heart rate, but it also helps to increase your metabolism and the blood flow to the limbs of your body. Because you sweat much more in this kind of yoga class than any other, you are also flushing your body of toxins. Your body also burns fat more effectively in the heat, and fat may redistribute and be used as energy during the class. You may notice a your muscle definition and tone improves fairly quickly with regular practice as does your flexibility and strength. Not to mention the hot yoga glow of your skin afterwards; it is a great way to clear out your pores.

Trampoline Workout

A new trend in fitness classes, rather than doing aqua or heading to Zumba, there are some great benefits to mixing up your yoga routine with trampoline classes. While it shouldn’t be seen as an easy workout, it is certainly one of the more enjoyable fitness classes out there, and you can have lots of fun. Mixed with jumps on the mini-trampolines, as well as push-ups and some balance moves, it is a good all over workout for your whole body.

The repetitive movements are great for building and strengthening muscles, as well as the fact that they are great calorie burners. One to try, for sure.

Underwater Cycling

Spin or indoor cycling is a great fitness class to get to. You can raise your heart rate pretty significantly, burn calories, and really work on your aerobic fitness. But what about underwater cycling? Have you ever heard of that? It can be a fun way to take your spin class to the next level, with the added resistance from the water, as well as the bike.

For starters, being in the water can be good for you, as we know water has natural healing properties. Plus, when you cycle in water, you are going to use your whole body as there are moves for your arms in the water, as well as for your legs. It is much more about your legs when you are in a regular spin class or out on a road cycling. Many people complain about spin or cycling being bad for their knees, but underwater, there is still resistance, but there is much less pressure on your joints.

Have you ever tried any of these before? It would be great to hear what you think and how you switch up your yoga practice.

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