Combine Fitness and Fun with these Wacky Workouts
Are you tired of the treadmill and looking to shake up your exercise regime? Booking.com, the leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting alternative workouts around the world to mix up your fitness routine. With more than a third of global travellers (36%*) booking a holiday for rejuvenation, break out of your comfort zone and ditch the membership fees for these unconventional fitness and wellness methods.
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, comfy beds along with tea and coffee making facilities, there is also a patio and fire pit to warm up by after your mermaid adventure.
Laughter Therapy – Mumbai, India
Invented by Doctor Madan Kataria back in the mid-nineties, this unconventional wellness workout, which was once 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 7am 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 guests can enjoy massages and Ayurveda treatments at Jiva Spa. Ideal for a quarter (25%) of global travellers 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: Feel at home in the spacious Princes Wharf apartment, featuring two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and balcony. Plus this luxurious home away from home stay is also pet friendly, perfect for you and your pampered pooch.
Morning Raves – Paris, France
Wake up your usual work out with a morning rave in Paris. This movement is designed to capture all the fun of a late-night party but with all the health benefits of a workout, the focus being on creativity and well-being. 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 travellers 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.
*Methodology: 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 (2000+ 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 1000+ each from Denmark, Croatia, Sweden, and New Zealand). Respondents completed an online survey in October 2017.