7 Quirky Exercise Trends For A Weird And Wonderful Workout
Tired of the same old treadmill trots and predictable plank holds? You're not alone. While traditional workouts certainly have their place, they can quickly become monotonous and uninspiring. The good news is that fitness doesn't have to be boring—or conventional. In fact, some of the most effective and enjoyable workouts are the ones that break the mold entirely.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of unconventional, quirky, and downright fun exercise trends that are gaining popularity around the world. These alternative workouts not only add variety to your routine but can also help you achieve better results, improve motivation, and even fit exercise more naturally into your lifestyle.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive into these offbeat fitness trends that just might become your new obsession.
No. 1
Animal Flow
Animal flow workouts involve crawling on all fours in the style of various animals. These exercises consist of different traveling forms like the ‘crab’ and the ‘ape’. Yes, this all sounds completely loony, but bear with me (speaking of bears, there’s also a form where you crawl like a bear, appropriately named ‘beast’).
While it may look a little strange, animal flow provides an incredibly effective full-body workout. It’s excellent for improving coordination, flexibility, and core strength, and it’s increasingly being incorporated into group fitness classes by professional trainers. Animal sounds are optional—but highly encouraged for fun.
No. 2
Infrared Exercise
Want to turn up the heat—literally? Infrared exercise is a rising trend that involves working out in studios equipped with infrared lighting, such as those offered by HOTWORX. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared light heats your body directly rather than the surrounding air, allowing for intense sweat sessions without the suffocating atmosphere.
This type of workout can:
Increase calorie burn
Improve circulation
Enhance detoxification
It’s intense, so hydration is key. Think of it as exercising in a personal sauna—but with breathable air and better results.
No. 3
Plogging
Combine fitness with environmentalism through plogging—a Swedish-inspired trend that blends jogging with litter collection. The term comes from “plocka upp,” meaning “to pick up,” and that’s exactly what you do: jog while picking up trash along your route.
Often practiced in groups, plogging turns your run into a purposeful mission.
It’s a great way to:
Stay active
Clean up your community
Add variety to your cardio
Plus, the added squats and bends from picking up trash give your lower body an extra workout.
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No. 4
VR Indoor Cycling
Let’s face it—riding a stationary bike in your living room can feel like watching paint dry. Enter VR indoor cycling, a game-changing innovation that turns your workout into a virtual adventure. By wearing a VR headset, you can cycle through scenic landscapes, futuristic cities, or even fantasy worlds.
Apps like Zwift and others gamify the experience with:
Challenges
Leaderboards
Points and rewards
It’s immersive, motivating, and far more exciting than staring at a blank wall. This guide at Road.cc explains more.
No. 5
Hill Running
If you’re short on time but want maximum results, hill running might be your new best friend. This intense workout involves repeatedly running up and down hills, which burns significantly more calories than running on flat ground.
Benefits of hill running include:
Improved cardiovascular endurance
Stronger leg muscles
Enhanced stamina
It’s a tough workout, but the payoff is worth it—especially if you’re looking to build strength and speed in a short amount of time.
No. 6
Baby Yoga
New moms, rejoice! You don’t have to choose between bonding with your baby and getting in a workout. Baby yoga allows you to do both. This gentle form of yoga incorporates your baby into the poses, turning them into a natural weight for resistance training.
Benefits include:
Postnatal recovery
Increased flexibility
Quality bonding time
It’s also a great way to ease back into exercise without needing childcare or leaving the house.
No. 7
Deskercise
If your 9-to-5 job keeps you glued to your chair, deskercise is the solution you didn’t know you needed. These are simple exercises you can perform right from your office chair, helping you stay active throughout the workday.
Examples of deskercises:
Seated leg lifts
Chair squats
Shoulder rolls
Desk push-ups
Incorporating short bursts of movement into your day can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and boost productivity. Encourage your coworkers to join in and make it a team effort!
Takeaways
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore—or follow a strict formula. As these quirky and creative fitness trends show, there are countless ways to stay active that go beyond the gym. Whether you’re crawling like a crab, sweating it out under infrared lights, or jogging with a trash bag in hand, the key is to find something that keeps you moving and makes you feel good.
By exploring alternative workouts like animal flow, infrared fitness, VR cycling, and more, you can break free from the monotony of traditional routines and discover new ways to challenge your body and mind.
So go ahead—ditch the treadmill (at least for a day) and try something different. Your body, your brain, and maybe even the planet will thank you.
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