If you think pumping iron is the only path to a fitter, firmer body, think again. Try the road less traveled to sculpt yourself and look more lean.
Like the constant beat of a metronome, each clink of an iron plate in the gym reminds you that you're working out—and maybe that you're bored out of your skull. If you want more excitement from your workout, it's time to rebel. With activities such as martial arts, fencing, and fishing (yes, even fishing), you can pump up to a new you. "Unusual sports activities may help keep you engaged and motivated to exercise," says Mark Campana, a certified personal trainer and director of fitness and wellness for the Spa at Yellow Creek, in Akron, Ohio. "Some people get bored at the gym, and new activities may help you avoid hitting plateaus if you're already fit. Often with such activities you don't have to go anywhere or wait to use a machine in a gym—you'll save time and avoid crowds."
Martial Arts
With just about any martial arts discipline, you can develop speed, power, and a strong core, says Campana. "Martial arts has been one of the best things I've done outside the gym," he says. "It works the body as a whole and will give you benefits of increased endurance and strength. You can get a good workout in a short amount of time. After 2 minutes of sparring, you may feel like you ran a 2-mile road race." To find a martial arts center near you, check out the U.S. Martial Arts Association directory at www.mararts.org.
Fencing
According to David Micahnik, fencing master and head fencing coach at the University of Pennsylvania, "The physical preparation for fencing involves conditioning the whole body." You develop balance and build an aerobic base through bursts of speed when you need to move very fast yet be agile for 2 or 4 meters at a time. Micahnik recommends joining a fencing club and attending two or three times a week; you'll likely participate in group exercises designed to build strength and develop flexibility, along with the one-on-one sparring matches. Expect to spend about $200 on equipment (and trust us, this is one sport in which you can't just get by with sweats). To find a club near you, visit U.S. Fencing Association's directory at www.usfencing.org/sectionsDivisions.jsp.
Fishing
Maybe you think fishing is only loafing with a rod and reel. But Campana has found a way to add oomph to landing the big one—and that's no fish tale. "Rent a row boat and, instead of using a trolling motor, row," Campana says. "I've done this about once a month at the reservoir near my home. You don't have to go 100 mph, just row at a steady pace up and down the water going the distance of three or four football fields three or four times." Fly fishing is another active option. You have to wade the currents, navigate submerged rocks, and stay upright in deep, cold water as you cast a line—good for building the core muscles. To find a fishing location at a national park near you, visit www.nps.gov and select "fishing".
