Health & Fitness

Try These Nontraditional Ways To Stay In Shape In 2020

In Tampa Bay, there are plenty of nontraditional fitness classes that can help spice up your exercise routine.

TAMPA BAY, FL — Losing weight and getting fit continues to be the No. 1 New Year's resolution in the country, according to Statistica.

More than one-third of Americans making New Year's resolutions say they plan to begin an exercise program on Jan. 1, with walking the top activity chosen.

Fortunately, in Tampa Bay, there are plenty of nontraditional fitness classes that can help spice up your exercise routine.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pole Dancing

It's not just for exotic dancers. Pole dancing is fun, high-energy and provides a cardio and strength workout that can burn 800 calories an hour or more.

Look into classes starting this month at Impulse Pole Dance Brandon, Impulse Pole Dance St. Petersburg, Butter Cup Pole Dance in Tampa and Clearwater Beach and BrandiLand in South Tampa and Citrus Park.

Find out what's happening in Tampawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Stand up paddle boarding is a low-impact exercise that combines balance, strength and endurance to give a full-body workout. Plus, it's always fun to be out on the water.

Tampa Bay Stand Up Paddleboarding offers classes at the Marriott Water Street, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, The Current Hotel at Rocky Point, Safety Harbor, at the Clearwater Beach Boat Ramp and at Abu Seba Beach across from Sand Key Beach.

Or check out a SUP 101 class for just $35 including the board at Urban Kai Stand Up Paddleboarding on Harbor Island Sunday, Jan. 12, and see if it's for you.

Indoor Sky Diving

Research has shown that a standard 26-minute session in a wind tunnel burns 326 calories, more than jogging for the same period. Plus, it's just plain fun to be weightless.

iFly Tampa at 10654 Palm River Road provides skydiving experiences for those who prefer to remain close to the ground.

For the more intrepid, Skydive City in Zephyrhills offers comprehensive lessons to prepare you for the ultimate jump from a plane.

Goat Yoga

Goat yoga -- yes, yoga done with miniature goats trampling over your back -- is more than a fad, say goat yoga enthusiasts.

The act of doing yoga with an adorable goat releases healthy hormones, relieving depression, insomnia, even hot flashes.

Taught by Erica Nelson from Yoga Mat Magic, Goat Yoga Tampa offers sessions throughout Tampa Bay. Goats jump around, interact and play with yogis during the class. The next session is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m. at In the Loop Brewing, 3338 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes. Tickets are $35 and include a draft beer, glass of wine or beermosa.

If you miss this class, there are also sessions scheduled at In the Loop Brewing in February and March.

The Grady Goat Foundation at the Grady Goat Farm, 12551 Franklin Road, Thonotosassa, offers Saturday and Sunday morning classes at the farm for $35. Proceeds benefit a number of Tampa Bay children's charities.

Hula Hoop Classes

You did it as a kid for fun. Now you can do it as an adult to stay in shape.

Hula hooping is a safe, fun way to burn calories and body fat, improve your balance, strengthen your core muscles and boost your cardiovascular fitness. Plus, it burns an average of 420 calories per hour.

St. Petersburg resident Abby Albaum founded Hoola Monsters in 2012, using the Hoola-Fit curriculum accredited by the national health and fitness organization, ACE.

She offers hula hoop classes for kids and adults as well as hula hoop.

If you want to check it out, Albaum is starting a six-week class Jan. 7, to be held every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. The cost is $120.

Flow With The Fishes

The Florida Aquarium is now offering yoga sessions for adults (with a children's class held at the same time) in front of the serene aquarium habitats. The next Flow with the Fishes will take place Sunday, Feb. 23 at 8 a.m.

The cost is $25 for adult members and $30 for nonmembers, and all proceeds from Flow with the Fishes support The Florida Aquarium’s environmental conservation efforts.

Yoga In The Wild

Or practice your downward-facing dog while watching majestic tigers roam in the Malayan Tiger Habitat or manatees swim by in the Manatee Mangrove at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

ZooTampa will offer its next Yoga in the Wild session Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8:30 a.m. Each session begins with a special animal mingle and enrichment activity. The cost of $20 for zoo members and $40 for nonmembers includes admission to the zoo and supports the zoo's animal care and conservation programs.

Kitten Yoga

A variation of goat yoga, Salty Souls Yoga, 7925 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, offers kitten yoga. Who doesn't love kittens, right?

The next session is Saturday, Jan. 18 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Those attending will have an opportunity to cuddle with an adorable, adoptable rescue kitten while taking a yoga class. Sign up early, though. The class size is limited to 18 people to give the kittens plenty of room to play.

Tickets are $35.

Glow Yoga

Yoga enthusiasts will light up during the Glow Yoga sessions offered by Muddy Mantra LLC at Blur Nightclub, 325 Main St., Dunedin.

The next session is on Feb. 5. Arrive from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to have your body art painted for $5 and then prepare to glow under Blur's light system as you perform all levels of vinyasa flow.

Blur will have drinks available before and after class. Tickets are $15.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here