Tired of the gym? Try these classes instead
We've scouted out some of the best alternative exercise classes in the North East - still making your body ache the next day, but in a much more enjoyable way...
By Charlotte Cooper
Darker evenings and colder mornings already make our bodies feel more fatigued, and that’s before our exercise class has begun. The good news is that the gym is not the only place to break a sweat and burn some calories.
Hotpod Yoga
Imagine your traditional calming yoga class and the same downward dog stretches but in a 37-degree pod. The warmth encourages deeper breathing and your body to stretch further. The calming purple hues, mood lighting and immersive soundscapes calm the mind while you engage in a full-body workout.
What are the benefits?
Flexibility increases while tension and stiffness that we carry throughout the day are released. The movements within the warm pod get the heart, lungs and other organs pumping.
Price: Introductory offer of £15.00 for three classes, then £12 per class
Location: Classes available in Whitley Bay, Newcastle and Sunderland
Website: https://hotpodyoga.com
Stand Up Paddle-Boarding (SUP)
Named the fastest-growing board sport in the world, SUP involves a large floating board around 10-12ft long and 2ft wide with a single paddle. You stand in the middle of the board and propel along the water with your paddle. It’s that simple. Pull-on a wet suit and give it a go on a dry winter day.
What are the benefits?
This low-impact exercise boosts cardiovascular health and works the entire body. Balance and posture improve as well as a build-up of core strength.
Price: £40 for a 2.5-hour session including all equipment and a wetsuit
Location: Northside Surf School, Northumberland
Website: https://www.northside-surf-school.co.uk
Dance Trapeze
A combination of dance and yoga stretching takes place using draped silks, aerial hoops and trapeze bars. Climbing onto the suspended fabrics and other apparatus allows you to engage with your inner strength, swinging or moving your body into various positions.
What are the benefits?
The arrangement of aerobic exercise and toning improves mobility and strength in a full-body workout. The core and upper body are a particular focus.
Price: £10 per class with discounts for block bookings
Location: Tempest Dance and Fitness, Durham
Website: https://www.tempestdancestudio.com
Aquafit
This pool-based exercise class is a total body aerobic workout. Promoting weight loss, Aquafit will make you burn calories without getting red-faced and sweaty. Expect jogging on the spot, leg kicks, arm stretches and other dance-like movements.
What are the benefits?
A full-on fitness routine which is low in impact, meaning little pressure on your joints. This type of exercise will boost your heart rate whilst working your core and toning your muscles.
Price: £32.50 per month
Location: Better UK leisure centres which include swimming pools – Gosforth, Byker and West Denton
Website: https://www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/fitness-classes/water-workout-classes
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