1. Goat Yoga

By now you’ve probably seen plenty of videos of goats circling around yoga mats or jumping on backs of people during goat yoga. These workouts are typically filled with happiness and excitement as goats are not afraid to interact with class participants. Adding to the excitement, class environments can vary from being on farmland or in-studio. With all its benefits, goat yoga is considered to be Animal – Assisted Therapy [1]. According to the Mayo Clinic, Animal-assisted therapy can “help people deal with anxiety and stress.” [2] For the Indianapolis area check into Happy Goat Lucky Yoga , Traders Point Creamery, and Studio You Yoga

2. Bunny Yoga

Animal-assisted therapy workouts don’t stop with goats! If you prefer your workout buddy to be cuter, smaller, and fluffier, bunnies might be more appealing to you. Bunny yoga is quickly spreading in popularity across the United States. Depending on the class, a photo session can be held at the end of class or taken throughout class. For the Indianapolis area, be sure to check out bunny workouts held through Metazoa Brewing Company , or pop-up events through the YMCA at the City Market.

3. Infrared Heat Yoga

Yoga may be done in many different temperature settings. Have you considered yoga in a 120-degree infrared heat sauna? For those who desire a sweaty and unique workout, this concept may be something you want to try. Workout centers like HOTWORX allow you follow class instructions on a tv monitor in a 120-degree room of up to three people. The infrared heat has many benefits including to “help improve strength, cardio, flexibility, circulation, immunity, while also burning fat, decreasing workout recovery time, increased metabolism, and much more!” [3]. Additionally, “As the infrared heat penetrates your body causing you to sweat, the isometric postures further accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction.” [4] If you would like a more traditional hot yoga experience, or additional variations of hot yoga, check out The Hot Room or CITYOGA.

4. Rock Climbing

Feeling adventurous? Would you like to try a fitness program high off the ground? Try rock climbing! See yourself improve as you progress each week in terms of strength and endurance. Both the Hoosier Heights and Epic Climbing and Fitness offer rock climbing in the Indianapolis area.

5. Aerial Fitness

Have you ever left a circus wishing you could be one of the awesome people twirling from the ceiling? You can also twirl from the ceiling, weekly, whether it be from silks, hula hoops, or more. After your first class you’ll soon find out how beneficial the experience is as it’s a total body workout. Not only will you have the opportunity to keep your social media interesting with fun pictures, you may also have an opportunity to perform! For more information check out Cirque Indy or Aerial Fit2Fly.

6. Kangoo Power Jumping

If a fun, high-energy workout is your type, try the Kangaroo work out program. According to JumpFit Indy website, special instruments are used to jump off fat! These instruments or “Kangoo Jumps Rebound Shoes are like in-line skate (ie. Rollerblade) or like a ski boot with an oval spring on the bottom. You can walk, run, dance, do aerobics, and jump around in them. And they are better on your body!” [5]

7. Candlelight stretching

Candlelight stretching is an underrated option for those who like to take time out of the day to stretch out their body, in a soothing environment. The absence of blaring lights will help you to relax and encourage more freedom to stretch out your body without feeling watched by others. Try taking this class before or after your work week and see if it makes any difference in your mental health. You can try variations of candlelight stretching through Indy’s Peace through Yoga.

Try something new in your fitness routine and remember to take advantage of the many fitness centers that offer free sessions or trials. Here are some honorable mentions and their links of other unique workouts in the Indy area: Eat The Frog Fitness Orangetheory Fitness Club Pilates Dance Fit With Erin

The contents of this blog are not professional medical advice. Consult your physician for help in making your fitness plans.

[1] https://goatyoga.net/about/

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342

[3] https://hotworx.net/about-hotworx/results-benefits/

[4] https://hotworx.net/about-hotworx/ [5] https://www.jumpfitindy.com/about

Posted by: Akiliah Walker, Marketing and Communications Intern