WASHINGTON — So, you've decided this is the year you're finally going to get in shape. One of the best ways to stay committed to your fitness goals is to find an exercise you enjoy.
Health experts say enjoying exercise improves gym motivation and in turn stability to your routine, and let's face it, running isn't for everyone.
We've compiled a list of workouts to try in the D.C. area and beyond that may inspire you to stick to your 2024 resolutions. Who knows, you might just have fun.
Workouts/Gyms:
- Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) is a one-hour, full-body group workout class led by a certified instructor.
- OTF uses Heart Rate Based Interval Training, which is said to burn more calories post-workout than most traditional exercises.
- While wearing a heart rate monitor in class, your real-time results will be displayed on screens throughout the studio.
- Classes are separated into two parts: treadmills and weights. A pro tip is if your goal is to lose weight, to start on the treadmill and if it's to gain muscle, then to start with weights.
- So you only have 45 minutes to work out? Well, F45 might just be for you.
- This is a high-intensity, group workout class that incorporates cardio and resistance-based training.
- The "F" stands for functional training, which means a mix of circuit-style workouts, and 45 for how long the class lasts.
- No matter where you find yourself on your fitness journey there is always a bike available at CycleBar.
- This is a music-driven, instructor-led cardio cycling class that delivers a low-impact workout.
- Most classes will have you riding for 30 minutes straight.
- If you put together Pilates, yoga, and ballet, you would get a Pure Barre class.
- It is a full-body workout that focuses on low-impact, small movements that strengthen and tone your entire body in 50 minutes or less.
- There are four group classes to choose from.
- There are several studios across the city to choose from including Yoga Heights, which has a few locations in D.C.
- According to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, there are many benefits to practicing yoga. It not only helps to improve strength, balance, and flexibility, but it can help you find better sleep and moods.
- Rowing is a total body workout, and when done regularly, can help you increase your stamina and endurance while improving your overall heart health.
- There are a few places to try the workout in D.C. including indoors at DC Row on 14th Street in Northwest.
- Once a niche strength, mobility, and recovery technique for dancers, Pilates has since gone mainstream. It is a low-intensity, muscle-strengthening workout that can help promote flexibility, mobility, and posture.
- Fitness studios can be found all around the D.C.-area including at District Pilates which has locations in Shaw and Petworth.
- Boxing is a high-intensity workout that is cardio-heavy. It will help you burn calories, build muscle, and help improve your heart health.
- There are a few studios in the D.C. area to choose from if you'd like to take a swing at the sport including at Urban Boxing DC and Rumble DC.
- Not only are there several studios to choose from in the area, but a variety of different dance styles are offered.
- Whatever your beat is, there is something for you.
- One person on Reddit says their favorite studio in the area is the Ava Dance Company in Northern Virginia. "Ava is super welcoming and lovely, leans towards pro-cheer styles."
- Besides just self-defense, there are many physical, mental, and social benefits to studying martial arts.
- With 180 styles of martial arts to study, there is something for everyone.
- There are several studios across the D.C.-area including Beta Academy.
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