Combine Fitness and Fun with Four Wacky Workouts
Are you tired of the treadmill and looking to shake up your exercise regime? If so, we've got four alternative workouts to try on your next trip that are sure to spice up your daily fitness routine back home. With more than a third of global travelers (36%)* booking a vacation for rejuvenation, try something new with one of these unconventional workouts and expand your exercise horizons.
Mermaid Fitness – Lake Michigan, USA
Swap your feet for fins and dive in to this alternative workout in the Mermaid Fitness swimming pool located in Lake Michigan. Embrace your inner mermaid and work on your power, strength, beauty and grace. Mermaid Fitness fuses fairy-tale fun with Yoga and Pilates to give its participants the workout of their dreams.
Where to Stay: Dry off in one of Cedar Ridge Cabins, located near some of the most popular sites in the area such as the stunning Crystal Lake. These cozy cabins offer a home away from home with comfy beds and a patio. The fire pit is a great place to warm up after your mermaid adventure.
Laughter Therapy – Mumbai, India
Invented by Doctor Madan Kataria back in the mid 1990s, this unconventional wellness workout, which was once (ironically) laughed at, has now amassed thousands of devotees, including in Europe and the U.S. Take a dawn laughter yoga session in Mumbai and laugh your worries away. This unusual method is based on the theory that laughter unlocks both spiritual and medical benefits. One of the many laughter yoga clubs in Mumbai is the Chowpatty Beach Laughter Club, which meets every morning at the eastern end of Chowpatty Beach in South Mumbai.
Where to stay: The exquisite Taj Lands End is a short drive from Chowpatty Beach and boasts a fully equipped health club and you can enjoy massages and Ayurveda treatments at Jiva Spa. Ideal for a quarter (25%) of global travelers who list spa facilities as an important amenity when choosing an accommodation*. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the sauna rooms or take part in a yoga session. After rejuvenating your mind and body, treat your appetite to traditional Indian cuisine at Masala Bay or authentic Chinese specialties at Ming Yang.
Dog Yoga - Auckland, New Zealand
Forget yoga, why not embrace doga? Aucklanders have always held a special place in their heart for dogs, from dog markets, dog sushi to dog fashion shows, it’s no surprise that dog yoga originated here. Practicing yoga with your beloved pooch will not only soothe your mind, body and soul but your furry friends too. Doga is a wonderful yoga practice in which you and your dog perform traditional Hatha yoga postures. Use your pup for added weight and make the most of this one-on-one bonding time.
Where to stay: You'll feel right at home in the spacious Princes Wharf apartment, which has a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony. This luxurious getaway is also pet friendly, so it's simply perfect for you and your pampered pooch.
Morning Raves – Paris, France
Wake up your usual workout with a morning rave in Paris. With a focus being on creativity and well-being, this movement is intended to capture all the fun of a late-night party but with all the health benefits of a workout. Sip on coconut water instead of cocktails and dance the way through your morning to all your favorite songs. With a superfood smoothie bar, a wake-up massage station and a motivating dance team this is the most fun you can have before 9am. Make your workout an event worth getting up for and spend the rest of the day full of positive energy before hitting all the sites of Paris.
Where to stay: Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels offers spacious accommodation in one of the coolest parts of the city. After your morning workout you can make the most of the perfect location and explore the beautiful Sacré Cœur Basilica and the Montmartre district.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 56,727 respondents were surveyed (2,000+ from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the US, and 1,000+ each from Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, and New Zealand). Respondents completed an online survey in October 2017.